Welcome to the March newsletter!
The proposed 'P441' electricity rule change (to help enable more local energy markets) has gone to Ofgem for a final decision!
Plus Energy Local and friends have won more awards and we’ve been out and about in Hull.
Ofgem to decide on 'P441' modification
It's taken a lot of work by a lot of people to get to this point, but the proposed P441 modification to the Balancing and Settlement Code, following approval by the Elexon panel, has now been sent to Ofgem for their consideration.
This has been a long process, but in short this proposed modification to electricity trading rules would put local energy markets such as Energy Local on a clearer and simpler footing.
Why does this matter?
First of all, it would effectively enable more communities to benefit directly from local renewables, helping people save on bills and small generators to earn more income — keeping more money in local areas.
Secondly, local energy markets can provide a mechanism that can be used to incentivise energy consumers to shift their power usage to times of high local generation. This can help national and local 'grids' run more efficiently, which is essential in light of the strain on the network.
The modification also stipulates that its rollout should include a real-world impact assessment.
In light of recent world events, clearly the race towards net zero, UK energy independence, reduced reliance on fossil fuel imports and lower bills has never been more urgent. P441 does not provide an answer to all these huge challenges, but it could help at a local level.
Overall, ensuring electricity rules consider local electricity networks, households and businesses, and not just large corporates, is economically imperative.
We hope Ofgem agrees and approves the modification this summer.
For more information on P441 you can read more here.
Thank you again to those of you who responded to the consultations — it conveyed the strength of feeling in communities all around the UK.
Energy Local and friends win at Green Energy Awards 2026
The prestigious Green Energy Awards, organised by Regen, took place in Bristol on Thursday 26 March to celebrate 'innovative technologies, pioneering companies and inspiring individuals that are shaking up the energy system and driving us towards a net zero future'.
Congratulations to our founder Dr Mary Gillie and friend of Energy Local Dr Sally Murrall-Smith (managing director of community energy society Tresoc and the driving force behind our Totnes club), who in a first for the event were jointly awarded 'Net Zero Energy Pioneer'.
This award 'recognises the achievements of inspiring individuals who have gone above and beyond to make a real difference in the development of a net zero energy system'.
Mary was recognised for developing the Energy Local model for communities, navigating complex regulations and working with our partner supplier 100Green, while always recognising the need to ensure vulnerable energy customers are reached and included.
Sally was selected for her work with Tresoc (Totnes Renewable Energy Society), which as well as installing generation and setting up their Energy Local Club, also includes initiatives on all-important energy efficiency and STEM education.
The Tresoc team, including founder director Ian Bright and marketing director Dean Leybourn, also won the 'Community Initiative Award' for their Energy Local Totnes project, which is based around a 330kw hydro power plant in the River Dart. Tresoc has worked for 20 years installing community energy and energy efficiency. They also have big plans to include solar arrays in their club so members can benefit from more cheaper power when the sun is shining.
Mary said: 'It's wonderful to be recognised in this way. It was particularly special to be awarded this with Sally as it highlights how we achieve the most when work on the ground is coordinated within overall strategic frameworks. I'm equally thrilled for the Tresoc team’s award, which acknowledges their 20 years of work.
'The Award nominations generally were a roll call of people who have been working for years towards decarbonising the UK's future and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels for heat and power. Thank you to Regen for bringing us together, highlighting this essential work, and inspiring continued collaboration.'
Hull communities join Energy Local training
March has been another busy month. Our Club Development Manager Temi Omojola travelled from London to join our founder Mary in Hull to deliver training.
This was Temi’s second training session since she joined us in October and a great opportunity to support Energy Local interest in the north east!
Thank you to everyone who attended, including representatives from Power Hull and other local community organisations.
Mary and Temi also separately met Giroscope, a local charity focused on providing sustainable and affordable housing, and Simon Hudson and the Power Hull team to explore the potential for developing an Energy Local Club in the area. Power Hull are progressing feasibility work for potential generation, expected around May–June.