Dear DCE newsletter subscribers – a special welcome to new subscribers.
In this issue:

• Join our AGM on 10th October 
• Join us as a Project Management Contractor 
• Together we are making an impact
• Dorchester Streets Alive – 22nd September

Best wishes from DCE Directors: Alison, Derek, Emily, Henry, Rose, Tim, and Tom

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Join us for our AGM on 10th October at 7pm (online) 

You are welcome to attend our AGM whether or not you are currently a DCE shareholder.   If you would like to attend please register and we will send you joining instructions.  Please note the meeting will be recorded for record keeping purposes, and the recording will be destroyed once the record is agreed. 

The meeting will include formal AGM business such as accounts approval and an update on DCE projects including a new share offer. 

AGM papers available on our Members page

Register to attend here

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Join us as a Project Management Contractor 

Can you help us to develop and install local renewable community energy projects in Dorset?   We hope to issue a new share offer shortly, and have a number of potential sites for which we need project management support, which will include: site assessment, project development, installation management etc. 
 
Full details here 

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We are making an impact!

Thank you for your interest and support in Dorset Community Energy – together we have achieved:

• Nearly half a million pounds of savings on energy bills in the schools, hospitals and community buildings where we have solar panels
• £12,500 of grants to support local communities to address fuel poverty and to support action on climate change and renewable energy
• 564 tonnes of carbon saved in 2023
• Produced enough energy to power 1458 homes.  

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Dorchester Streets Alive – 22nd September 


This Friday is International Car Free Day, and Dorchester is hosting a ‘Streets Alive!’ event to celebrate.  There will be a festival with stalls, music, activities, and demonstrations in the car park in the afternoon from 12.00-17.00. It will promote healthy living and eating, as well as sustainable transport and cleaner air. DCE have supported the event via the Community Fund and will have a stall there. 

Full details here

Dear DCE newsletter subscribers – a special welcome to new subscribers.
In this issue:

• Join us as a Project Management Contractor 
• Our Community Fund is open for applications
• Join our Trustees to help decide how the Community Fund is allocated 

Best wishes from DCE Directors: Alison, Derek, Emily, Henry, Rose, Tim, and Tom

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Join us as a Project Management Contractor – apply by 14th April 2023

Can you help us to develop and install local renewable community energy projects in Dorset?   We have just secured planning approval for a 250kW ground-mounted solar PV array with the intention it will provide a direct supply through the grid to householders and businesses in Bridport, and have other projects in the pipeline.
 
Full details here 

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Our Community Fund is open – apply by 7th May 2023

The community benefit of DCE is primarily the financial and carbon savings made by the installations, however DCE also allocates a fund each year to community projects which support its purpose. 

The fund is currently open for applications, with £6,329 in the funding pot.  Applications are invited for projects which reduce carbon emissions and or address fuel poverty in the Dorset.

Full details here

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Help us spend our money!

Our Community Fund is open for applications, and we would like to invite our members to become Trustees of the Wessex Reinvestment Trust which will review the applications and help decide how the fund should be allocated. The funds will be allocated for BCP and Dorset based projects, but meetings will be online so you don’t have to be Dorset based. 

Full details here

Dear DCE newsletter subscribers – a special welcome to new subscribers.
In this issue:

• Dottery Solar Array Proposal – another opportunity to support the planning application

Best wishes from DCE Directors: Alison, Derek, Emily, Henry, Rose, Tim, and Tom

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As you know, we have been working with Energy Local Bridport to develop proposals for a new solar array in Dottery near Bridport. A few months ago we shared our planning documents and asked you to voice your support, and we’d like to extend a huge thanks to the many of you who did just that, sharing your support online, in writing and through word-of-mouth. The work to date has been supported by the Rural Community Energy Fund.
 
The Dorset Council planning committee are meeting in Dorchester this Thursday the 23^rd of February at 10:00 to determine whether or not we are awarded permission to go ahead with the project.
 
We’d love to see you there!  The meeting is open to the public, and you are welcome to attend in support of the project. We are first on the agenda after the public speaking portion of the meeting.
 
We already have speakers registered and ready to speak up in favour of the project, but your presence is welcome if you feel moved and are able to attend.

Venue:   Council Chamber, County Hall, Dorchester, DT1 1XJ
Agenda: You can find the agenda and other papers here
Livestream: Dorset Council will also be live streaming the meeting in youtube if you’re unable to attend but would like to follow along from home

Dear DCE newsletter subscribers – a special welcome to new subscribers.
In this issue:

• Dottery Solar Array Proposal – your opportunity to comment on the planning application

Best wishes from DCE Directors: Alison, Derek, Emily, Henry, Rose, Tim, and Tom

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Dorset Community Energy hope to build a small ground-mounted solar array by the reservoir at Dottery.  We plan to make the electricity generated from the proposed array available to local residents via an Energy Local Club. These clubs allow members to buy cheaper electricity direct from a local renewable energy installation; and allow those generating the electricity to achieve slightly larger income than selling direct to the grid.

Those living close to the array will have the option of joining the Energy Local Club and buying cheaper electricity from the array when it is generating. Anyone living in the area will be able to join the Energy Local Club.

The planning application has been submitted and is open for comment until 14^th October.  Please do register your support for the scheme, further details and resources are available on the Dottery Page

Click here to link to the Dottery Page – for further information and guidance on how to respond.

If the planning application is successful funds will be raised via a share offer, presenting an investment opportunity to Dorset residents. Households local to the array, existing Dorset Community Energy members and subscribers to this newsletter will all be invited to invest.

Dear DCE newsletter subscribers – a special welcome to new subscribers.
In this issue:

• DCE AGM
• Partner Event: Energy Security in Dorset – 14 July 7:00-8:30pm (online)

Best wishes from DCE Directors: Alison, Derek, Emily, Henry, Rose, Tim, and Tom

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This year our AGM will be held via zoom on the 19 July at 19:00. All members have been invited by email and sent a link. Non-members are welcome to attend the AGM but will be unable to vote. In addition to the business of the AGM, the meeting will include an updates on: Dottery PV project, Energy Local Bridport, Community Fund.

The Agenda and relevant papers can be viewed at: Members – Dorset Community Energy

If you wish to attend please contact lucy@dorsetcommunityenergy.org.uk

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Partner Event: Energy Security in Dorset – 14 July 7:00-8:30pm (online)

Ralph Watts DCE’s Technical Director (currently handing over to Geoff Joy) is one of the speakers at this event along with writer Chris Goodall, Dorset residents Poppy Maltby and Prof Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti. The event is listed as:

Exploring the opportunities and challenges for energy security and net zero. The format will be informal and conversational with plenty of time for questions. We guarantee a very lively debate! Guest speakers are experts in the field of energy generation, energy security, climate change and how we can realistically achieve net zero.

Further details and booking information

Dorset Community Energy Fund 2022

Dear DCE newsletter subscribers – a special welcome to new subscribers.
In this issue:

• DCE Community Fund – open for applications – apply by 25th April 

Best wishes from DCE Directors: Alison, Derek, Emily, Henry, Rose, Tim, and Tom

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Community Fund – open for applications  – apply by 25th April

The Community Fund is currently open to support projects that aim to reduce carbon emissions and or address fuel poverty. They may also include local food, sustainable transport or waste reduction, and any other activity which reduces carbon emissions. The project must be located with the geographical area of the Dorset and BCP councils. The application must be on behalf of a community; self-help or voluntary group; a community enterprise or a charity. Applications should be in the range of £500 to £1500.

Read more

Dear DCE newsletter subscribers – a special welcome to new subscribers.
In this issue:

• DCE seeks new IT support – apply by 4th March 
• DCE welcomes: Alison, Rose, Ralph, John and Lucy 
• Thanks and farewell  to Pete 
• Energy Local Bridport is expanding and featuring in the national press 

Best wishes from DCE Directors: Alison, Derek, Emily, Henry, Rose, Tim, and Tom

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DCE seeks new IT support – please apply by 4th March  

Dorset Community Energy needs to engage new IT support to manage our web activities. You may be an existing producer, website builder, designer, developer or agency. We manage most of our updates in-house but require limited external support. Please refer to the Brief on our webpage and send a proposal to info@dorsetcommunityenergyorg.uk by 4th March.

Read more

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DCE welcomes: Alison, Rose, Ralph, John and Lucy 

DCE welcomes two new Directors: Alison and Rose, who have been co-opted pending formal approval at the AGM, and three new Team Members: Ralph, John and Lucy.  Together they bring a vast array of experience to DCE including: community engagement, local energy generation, and technical energy management.  

Read more

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Thanks and farewell to Pete 

Pete West, has recently stepped down as Secretary and Director of Dorset Community Energy.  Pete has made an immense contribution to the development of renewable energy in Dorset and beyond.  He has been part of DCE since it was founded in 2013 and a key player in its success to date.  Since 2013 DCE has installed a total of 1500kW of solar arrays on 24 public or community buildings.  Annual generation of electricity is now around 760,000kWh and annual CO2 savings around 175,000kg.  Pete continues to contribute to local renewable energy as secretary of Energy Local Bridport.   
Read more

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Energy Local Bridport is expanding and featuring in national press

Energy Local Bridport went live in September 2021 with 14 members . The Club has now started expanding beyond the current 14 households, and has recently featured in the national press. 

Read more

Dear DCE newsletter subscribers – a special welcome to new subscribers.
In this issue:

• DCE seeks Technical Director – apply by 6th November 
• DCE Community Fund awards £3,500 to local projects
• Energy Local Bridport is live
• DCE AGM – over 20% of membership represented – slides and minutes available
• DCE reaches 1150kW of installed solar panels

Best wishes from DCE Directors: Derek, Emily, Henry, Pete, Tim, and Tom

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DCE seeks Technical Director – please apply by 6th November 

An exciting opportunity to join Dorset Community Energy as Technical Director, providing management of the Asset Manager, Project Managers and external consultants.  This is a new role, expected to be for 1 – 2 days per week, with remuneration between £25 and £35 per hour depending on experience.  Apply by 6th November 2021.

Read more

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DCE Community Fund awards £3500 to local projects

We recently awarded funding to six local climate friendly projects.  These projects included: installation of energy efficiency measures, awareness raising, reducing food waste, promoting sustainable lifestyles, reducing plastic and climate change education.  Geographically they cover several different parts of Dorset. 

Read more

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Energy Local Bridport is live!

Energy Local Bridport went live in September 2021. The Club has started with a ‘mini Club’ of 14 households whilst we check that things are running smoothly. The mini Club has become the first Energy Local Club in England to start operating. 

Read more

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DCE 5th AGM – over 20% of membership represented 

DCE’s fifth AGM was held via Zoom on the 12^th July, with 27 attendees and 18 proxy votes received, over 20% of our membership was represented.  As well as the formal AGM, there was an update on current projects: to install a further 1100kW of solar panels as part of the PV3; and an update on Energy Local Bridport. One attendee: Sally Cooke said: “Brilliant AGM, I was inspired! What a tonic to hear of all the good things that are going on.”

Read more

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DCE reaches 1150kW of installed solar panels 

During the summer holidays we installed more solar panels at Weymouth College and Linwood School.  These installations were funded through the re-opened 3rd share offer. The remaining site for installation is Sturminster Newton High School where plans are still being finalised. To see where all our solar panels are installed check the Locations page.

Read more

Dear DCE newsletter subscribers – a special welcome to new subscribers.
In this issue:

• Opportunity for Project Managers – apply by 1st June 
• This year’s AGM – Monday 12th July, 7pm on Zoom
• DCE Community Fund – open for applications – apply by 31st July
• 3rd Share Offer – 700kW all installed.
• 3rd Share Offer Reopened and CLOSED within 10 days!

Best wishes from DCE Directors: Derek, Emily, Henry, Pete, Tim, and Tom

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Opportunity for Project Managers – please apply by 1st June

DCE anticipates a programme of works for the next few years, and would like to have three or four Project Managers on board, and so has decided to set up a flexible Project Management Framework, so that we can call on these skills as and when we wish to develop new projects.  

Read more

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Early notification of AGM Monday 12th July 7pm

This year’s AGM will be held by Zoom at 7pm on Monday 12^th July at 7pm. In addition to the formal AGM there will be presentations and questions on our latest projects which include almost 500kW of solar panels at Weymouth College and the innovative Energy Local Bridport project. Energy Local Bridport will be the first example in England of local renewable energy generation supplied directly to householders through the existing grid.  The formal AGM papers and a Zoom meeting joining link will be emailed to all members 3 weeks before the AGM.

Read more

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Community Fund – open for applications  – apply by 31st July 

The Community Fund is currently open to support projects that aim to reduce carbon emissions and or address fuel poverty. They may also include local food, sustainable transport or waste reduction, and any other activity which reduces carbon emissions. The project must be located with the geographical area of the Dorset and BCP councils. The application must be on behalf of a community; self-help or voluntary group; a community enterprise or a charity. Applications should be in the range of £500 to £1500.

Read more

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3rd Share Offer completed all 700kW installed 

In May 2019, DCE raised £445,000 to support the installation of 700kW of roof mounted solar panels on schools and hospitals in Dorset. These installations were supported by a 40% grant from Low Carbon Dorset, making the total value £729,080. The installations were delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, however the final installation was completed in April 2021, bringing DCE’s total portfolio to 1100kWp, across twenty- two locations, including: schools, community buildings and hospitals.

Read more

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3rd Share Offer Reopened and Closed!

DCE reopened its 3rd Share Offer on the 10th May, to raise a further £194,418 to install 467kWp of rooftop solar at three more sites.  These shares were offered firstly to ‘Over-Subscribers’ from our 2019 Share Offer, and secondly to our existing members.  The share offer was open from 10th May until the target was reached – which was 21st May.  Thank you to those of you who purchased shares.  

Read more

Dear DCE newsletter subscribers – a special welcome to new subscribers.
In this issue:

• 3rd Share Offer update – On track to complete all 700kW by March 2021
• Adding ground-mounted PV to Energy Local Bridport
• Asset Manager update

Best wishes from DCE Directors: Derek, Emily, Henry, Pete, Tim, and Tom

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3rd Share Offer update – on track to install 700kW by March 2021

Since our last newsletter in May, and despite the Covid-19 complications, we have installed and commissioned further sites: All Saints, at Weymouth in May, Beaminster School in September, and our first Dorset Community Healthcare site, Bridport Community Hospital was commissioned on 29^th October.

Read more

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Adding ground-mounted PV to Energy Local Bridport

Due to the extent of interest in this project, projected customer demand exceeds the current renewable energy supply of the 50kW wind turbine at Salway Ash.  DCE therefore secured funding from the Rural Community Energy Fund for a feasibility study to identify sites for two 200kW ground-mounted solar PV arrays to provide additional local renewable electricity.  Two sites have already been identified and work is underway to determine the exact build costs and likelihood of planning permission.  We also have a third site earmarked as back-up. 

Read more

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Asset Manager

A big thank you to Pete West who to date has been acting as Asset Manager for our installations, and is now stepping down from this role.  We have received four applications for the recently advertised post and will be looking to select shortly.