Monthly Archives: November 2013

Community Energy Plus excel at the Cornwall Voluntary Sector Awards

Posted on Friday, November 29th, 2013

Community Energy Plus’s contribution to Cornwall’s thriving voluntary sector has been recognised by the Camborne-based charity and social enterprise achieving recognition in two categories at this year’s Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum Awards. The awards ceremony was held at The Eden Project on Thursday 28th November to celebrate the achievements of the voluntary sector in Cornwall, helping to engage the wider public, raise awareness of the progressive work taking place and fostering connections between organisations to facilitate future projects. Community Energy …

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Measuring wind turbine noise

Consultation services available for wind and solar developments in Cornwall

Posted on Monday, November 25th, 2013
Measuring wind turbine noise

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) announced on the 18th November 2013 that any development of more than two turbines, or any single turbine over 15m high, will now need to undergo a pre-application consultation with the local community. The DCLG expects the new measure to come in force by the end of this year. Communities Secretary Eric Pickles explained the reasoning behind the change in policy: “From day one communities should be centre stage in crafting plans …

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Testing the case for renewable energy in Cornwall – the tourism debate

Posted on Monday, November 25th, 2013

One of the commonly-cited concerns regarding the presence of wind turbines and solar farms in Cornwall is that they may have a negative effect on the tourist experience, jeopardising the number of people visiting the county and putting incomes from tourism at risk. However a recent study commissioned by Good Energy suggested that such fears are unfounded. Good Energy, which provides its customers with energy from 100% renewable sources, felt there was a lack of real evidence to inform the …

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Working together

Keeping Cornwall warm with over 2 million litres of oil

Posted on Wednesday, November 20th, 2013
Working together

The Community Energy Club, run by Cornwall’s independent energy experts Community Energy Plus, has experienced another successful year of growth in 2013. The achievements of the group were topped off by reaching a major landmark in November, with 2 million litres of oil ordered for its members. This has resulted in an average saving of £62.38 per household and a total saving of nearly £50,981.10 since the club started operating in November 2011. Now with 2,214 subscribers, the Community Energy …

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Solar panel installer

Projects supported by Community Energy Plus shortlisted for awards

Posted on Wednesday, November 13th, 2013
Solar panel installer

The Cornwall Sustainability Awards 2013 shortlist has now been announced and includes two innovative projects supported by the work of Community Energy Plus. The Illogan Green Ripple Project aimed to engage a whole community with the benefits of domestic renewable installations and hence is in the running for two awards – Best Community and Domestic Renewable Energy Scheme. The holistic approach of the Green Ripple Project set out to raise levels of education and awareness around energy usage, instigating behavioural …

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Help for West Cornwall households concerned about winter fuel bills

Posted on Tuesday, November 12th, 2013

Householders in West Cornwall who are worried about the rising costs of keeping warm this winter can find out how to reduce their energy bills at an ‘Energy Best Deal’ workshop. The free workshop is being held at Age Concern, St Just on Tuesday 26th November, 10.30am to 12pm by Community Energy Plus.  It is part of the ‘Energy Best Deal’ project which is run by Citizens Advice and Ofgem and has been funded by energy suppliers to provide help …

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Ladock community-owned wind turbine

Renewable Energy – Taking Stock

Posted on Friday, November 1st, 2013
Ladock community-owned wind turbine

In the first of a series of articles exploring Cornwall’s relationship with renewable installations, Community Energy Plus outlines the need for harnessing sustainable forms of energy on a global to local scale. Introduction Differences of opinion regarding Cornwall’s commitment to renewable energy and the visibility of wind turbines and solar arrays in the county have been rumbling away for some time. Despite studies which show that the overwhelming majority of people nationally support renewable power generation (Cardiff University recently found …

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Community Energy Plus expands services

Posted on Friday, November 1st, 2013

Community Energy Plus has extended the energy advice services it offers to householders in Cornwall after achieving Green Deal Assessor Organisation accreditation. The accreditation to the government approved and regulated scheme coincides with the charity and social enterprise’s energy advisors becoming qualified as Green Deal Assessors.  Community Energy Plus already offers a Freephone advice line (0800 954 1956) and range of services to help householders enjoy warmer, more energy efficient homes.  By launching a Green Deal Assessment service they can …

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