Renewable energy, in the form of heat, electricity and transport fuels, is derived from energy flows that occur naturally and repeatedly in the environment; from the wind, the fall of water, the movement of the oceans, from the sun and from biomass. Deployment of a diverse range of renewable energy technologies is needed to transform our energy supply infrastructure to deal with the challenges of climate change and resource depletion. Active engagement of communities in constructive partnerships with government and industry is vital to achieve change on the scale required.

The Totnes Renewable Energy Society, TRESOC, is an Industrial and Provident Society established to enable the community of Totnes and surrounding parishes to take charge of the development of our renewable energy resources and provide maximum benefit to the local economy. The Industrial and Provident Society structure allows for the democratic control of the company by the membership and provides a safeguard from takeover by large commercial interests.

TRESOC has been active in reaching agreements to develop key strategic renewable energy projects and is now preparing for the sale of membership of the Society to the community through a share issue.

All residents of Totnes and Environs will be able to join the Society for an investment of £20 to £20,000. Each member will have one vote in the affairs of the Society, regardless of the size of her or his investment. Dividends will be paid to members when the Society makes a profit. Further opportunities for investment may become available in individual projects as they come on stream.

Details of the share issue will appear on this website, please be patient with us for a little longer.

Download the Rules of the Totnes Renewable Energy Society