361 Energy annual stakeholder event

The annual stakeholder event for 361 Energy took place on Tuesday 8th July at Barnstaple Library. Around 30 people attended.

Joanna Howard, the new CEO of 361 Energy, explained that 361 Energy has changed from being a not-for-profit community interest company (CIC) into a charity (CIO). This will provide greater clarity for partners and clients and also open more funding opportunities. Jo and other members of the team discussed the number of clients advised and the savings achieved for them through the different energy advice programmes.

The other significant change is the setting up of 361 Community Renewables as a new community benefit society which will focus on developing community energy projects around North Devon and Torridge. Other community energy organisations like Exeter Community Energy and Plymouth Energy Community are/or have community benefit societies which enable them to develop community owned renewable energy projects in their local areas. These can be rooftop solar PV, ground mounted solar PV or wind turbines. Funding for the installations can be part or fully funded by a community share issue, where local residents would be offered the opportunity to buy a share in the project and receive a share of the profits.

Jon Gething, Chair of 361 Community Renewables, described the benefits of community energy projects which can provide real and tangible benefits to local communities.  The new organisation aims to develop around 5 – 10MW of renewable energy every year with a mix of solar and wind projects. More opportunities for renewable energy projects should be available following the Government’s focus on developing community energy projects and the availability of lower community tariffs for electricity.

You can download the presentations from the event using the button below.