Solar project to help Exeter's 5,000 in fuel poverty

A new project to help over 5,000 Exeter residents fight fuel poverty through solar energy is looking for a volunteer site for their first panels.

The scheme operated by Exeter Community Energy (Ecoe) will see a portion of the revenue they raise through the solar panels re-invested into community projects around the city, including projects that tackle fuel poverty.

The model has already proven successful elsewhere in the country with projects in Lewes and Bath well established and already providing advice and support on how communities can improve their fuel efficiency.

Over 10 per cent of Exeter households are considered to be in fuel poverty according to the latest reports meaning 5,494 households in Exeter are spending more than 10% of their household income on heating or are unable to keep their home adequately heated.

Currently Exeter has seven of the worst 10 fuel poor areas in the county with the others being Ilfracombe Central, Bideford North and an unspecified area in Tiverton.

Much of the issue is due to the high and rising cost of gas, oil and coal prices but poor energy efficiency in UK homes are also an issue with heat escaping through poorly insulated doors, walls and windows

The project aims to have their first panels up-and-running by this summer but has already gained support from Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw.

Ben Bradshaw said: “I'm delighted to be a part of this exciting project. Community energy gives people the opportunity to take ownership of renewable power and use it to make positive change in their communities. It's exactly what we need in Exeter.”

Residents, community groups and businesses are coming together at 6.45pm on Tuesday 4 February for a public meeting) to get involved in the community owned solar project.

The event will be held in Stephen Scown Solicitor’s meeting room at Curzon House, Southernhay, with a chance to hear more about the project and help make it happen as well as an open discussion surrounding the project.

Refreshments will be served and anyone with an interest in sustainability, community development and reducing energy costs is encouraged to attend.

The event will be a springboard to launching a community share offer in April, which will raise money to buy solar panels producing around 100kWp of power.

Project Co-ordinator Gill Wyatt said: “As a community-owned cooperative, we want to benefit the city, its people and the environment. One element of this is sharing the financial benefits between shareholders, a fund for community projects and investment in further energy projects.

“This is just the first step. Community energy projects are making a difference across the country, strengthening communities, helping the local economy and reconnecting people to the energy they use, as they became producers as well as consumers.

“Our aim is to bring together people who are interested in building a sustainable future for our community, who care about climate change and the depletion of resources, and who want to reduce fuel bills, promote energy efficiency and address fuel poverty.

“We can work together to learn and change the way we produce, use and think about energy, and in doing so create a more sustainable, resilient and prosperous community.”