361 Energy is now not one but two organisations to better focus its resources on energy advice on the one hand and renewable energy generation on the other.
361 Energy was founded at a meeting in Braunton in December 2011 and operates in northern Devon. It became a not-for-profit CIC (Community Interest Company) in 2013. The main focus is on delivering energy advice to low-income families. Recently it has been developing a retrofit advice service. This delivers a trusted service for organisations, homeowners, and landlords wanting to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs of homes and housing.
This work is essentially charitable in nature and in January 2025 361 Energy CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) was registered as a charity by the Charity Commission (Charity No. 1211594). 361 Energy CIO now undertakes all the activities previously carried out by 361 Energy CIC.
361 Community Renewables CBS (Community Benefit Society) was registered with the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) in March 2025 with the objective to develop renewable projects across northern Devon.
There are more community energy organisations in Devon than in any other part of the country. Many of these organisations have been able to develop renewable energy projects such as portfolios of roof-top solar PV, solar farms and also at wind turbine. These are run by local community benefit societies with shares sold to the local community. Profits are provided to the small local share holders while any excess that is generated goes into a community benefit fund, which is often used to help tackle fuel poverty in the area.
