1. Why is Sustainable Crediton Energy Group proposing a community energy generation project?

A locally owned, not for private profit company generating renewable energy would be a valuable contribution towards Sustainable Crediton's aim of greater self-reliance and resilience in the Crediton area, and reducing the local carbon footprint. It would also contribute to our aims of working together for a positive future and bringing benefit to the community.

2. What other projects has Sustainable Crediton Energy group carried out?

We have:

• Held open weekends where people could visit homes to see renewable energy installations and insulation measures
• Delivered a project supplying photo-voltaic solar panels at reduced price to 72 homes
• Carried out a pilot project supplying renewable heat installations to homes
• Introduced a scheme for reducing draughts and increasing energy efficiency.

3. What has been done so far for the current project?

We have:

• carried out a series of surveys in the town to discover people's opinions on setting up a company to generate renewable energy and on various types of renewable energy,
• given out leaflets and put up posters,
• published articles in the local paper,
• held a public meeting to present various options, and
• talked to as many people as possible.

We have also successfully applied for a grant for a professional feasibility study, tendered for suitably qualified consultants, and chosen Devon Association for Renewable Energy (DARE) from North Tawton to carry out the work.

4. What was the result of the survey?

The survey of 79 people showed an overwhelming 99% in favour of setting up a community owned energy company. The views of those who responded were, for example, very clearly in favour (97%) of solar PV on roofs.

There were majorities in favour of several other technologies, but notably not solar PV in fields. People thought that farm land should be used for producing food rather than energy crops. Although there are examples where sheep carry on grazing the fields and enjoy the shade from the panels!

5. Who are the people involved so far?

Members of Sustainable Crediton Energy Groups are involved at the moment. These include:

• John Skrine, Crediton
• Linda Lever, Sandford
• Sarah Alsbury, Newton St Cyres
• David Harpur, Sandford
• John Boyle, Fordton
• Charles Mossman, Cheriton Fitzpaine
• Sarah Green, Lapford

We also have the advice and support of people from DARE - see Question 17 below…

6. Who else has shown support so far?

• We have a substantial list of people who wish to be kept informed about the project gained from the surveys and meetings; we'd like to add you to that list!
• 140 Sustainable Crediton members have emailed us expressing their support.
• The Town Council supported our application for funding for the feasibility study.

7. Where are we now?

Our priority is to get more views from the community about the way forward. This scheme will only work if people want it, and the details of it need to be agreed by as wide a range of people in the area as possible. Meanwhile the team from DARE is looking into various possibilities from a technical and legal point of view.

8. Isn't the future course already mapped out and a done deal?

Definitely not! There are many ideas about the way forward, both about the renewable technology itself, and who should own and run it. How these develop will be determined by the consensus of all those who express a view.

9. Don't you already have an idea about the way forward?

We have lots of ideas!  We've also been able to see how other communities have developed their community energy schemes, and we've read the views of people who took part in the survey.  One option is to set up a community owned energy co-operative.   There is more about this in later FAQs.

10. How will the community benefit from the project?

There are a number of possible benefits to our community from the project:

• Reduced energy prices for local businesses and community organisations
• Local economic benefit from money invested and income circulating in the local economy rather than leaking out to big business.
• Creating or sustaining local jobs, through awarding installation and maintenance contracts to local contractors where possible and to manage the project.
• Increased income to local people who invest in the project.  We hope the project will offer a good financial return, as well as the ethical benefit of investing in renewable energy.  We would like to make it possible to invest very small amounts of money, so more people can become investors.
• A community fund built up from any profits, perhaps used to fund an "energy advice shop" and ways to reduce fuel poverty and increase energy independence - we will consult further about what is most needed in the Crediton area

11. What is the likely return on investment for the shareholders of the Energy Company?

We won't know how much investors will receive as a dividend until we have completed the full business plan. Other renewable energy schemes offer between 1.5% and 6% return though, and if the investor pays income tax, they may be able to recover 30% of their investment in tax relief. This would mean, for example, that a £1000 investment would only cost £700.

12. What is the feasibility study all about?

The feasibility study will do three things.  Firstly, it will establish what the renewable energy opportunities are in the  Crediton area (the EX17 postal area and Newton St Cyres parish).  It will only look at the opportunities for solar PV, wind and anaerobic digestion.  Most of the work will focus on solar PV. It will put together a long-list of possible sites for solar PV installations on commercial or community buildings (not homes). 

Secondly, it will prepare a short-list of sites, whose owners and tenants are interested to rent to a community company, in exchange for discounted electricity. It will also complete an outline business plan, showing whether a community company could be profitable if these renewable energy installations went ahead.

Thirdly, and most importantly, it will report on whether people in the Crediton area are interested in being part of a community energy co-operative which would pay for, own and operate the renewable installations.  The feasibility study team will support Sustainable Crediton to hold public discussions about this, making sure there is community support for the idea, and inviting people to join in.  Some people will be keen to volunteer their time and skills, and some will be interested in becoming founder members of the community energy company.  Of course, people are very welcome to do both!

13. Who is DARE, the company doing the feasibility study?

DARE is a renewable energy and energy efficiency consultancy.  It is a social enterprise, based in North Tawton.  It has been giving impartial advice and support to people, businesses and local authorities in Devon and elsewhere for the past 12 years and has gained a very good reputation. The members of the DARE team working on the feasibility study are:

Dr.Tom Furness 

Tom is a DARE director and Technical Services Manager. He has a detailed knowledge of a wide range of renewable technologies, and has offered advice and project management for renewable installations to a wide range of institutions, businesses and homeowners. 

Andrew Shadrake 

Andrew is a DARE Senior Associate, specialising in legal structures and business planning for community energy companies, as well as a community engagement specialist.  He was part of the team which recently completed the feasibility study and business plan for Plymouth Energy Community.  This highly successful community energy enterprise will have at least 18 substantial solar PV installations in place on Plymouth schools by the end of October 2014.

Ben Eardley 

Ben, who is a DARE Technical Officer, combines specialist technical knowledge of renewables with community engagement skills and experience.  He was previously the Carbon Community Officer for Exmoor National Park Authority and the Environmental Policy Officer with the Welsh Assembly.

14. How can I help?

There are lots of ways you can become involved, and help develop this exciting project.  Here are some of them:

• Ask to be on our list of people to be kept informed
• Offer practical help with publicity
• Join our organising team - we need as many people as possible,
• Give the benefit of your legal, accounting, secretarial, organisational or management skills
• Let us know if you would think about investing in the project

15.  How can I ask further questions and/or express my views?

You can email or phone us and leave a message on 07506 290198 or fill in our survey on our website  

Better still, come along to one of our events - look out for notices of these or send in your details and we'll let you know.

Contact us on: 07506 290198

Email: energy@sustainablecrediton.org.uk