Community energy brings local people together to generate, save and make better use of energy.

Projects can include renewable generation such as solar power, energy storage, energy-efficiency programmes and practical support to help households reduce their energy use.

The aim is to keep more of the social, environmental and economic benefits within the local community.

Tendring Community Energy Limited is a Community Benefit Society working across the Tendring district.

We support residents, community organisations and businesses with energy efficiency, renewable energy and projects designed to deliver lasting benefits for the local community.

A Community Benefit Society is an organisation established to operate for the benefit of the wider community rather than primarily for private profit.

TCE uses this model to help ensure that community benefit remains at the heart of our work and future renewable energy projects.

Solar PV can be an effective option for many properties and can also be combined with battery storage to make greater use of electricity generated at home.

Other technologies can include:

• Air source heat pumps
• Solar thermal systems
• Battery storage
• Community and shared renewable projects

Funding schemes change regularly, but support may be available for measures such as insulation, heating improvements and low-carbon technologies.

Eligibility normally depends on factors such as household income, property type, existing heating system and Energy Performance Certificate rating.

Contact TCE and we can help you understand what support may currently be available.

• Reduce draughts around doors and windows
• Insulate accessible hot-water pipes
• Use LED lighting
• Improve heating controls
• Check loft insulation
• Use curtains effectively during colder weather
• Monitor your energy use to identify waste

Start by understanding where your energy is being used. Heating and hot water are major areas for many households, so sensible heating controls and reducing unnecessary heat loss can make a real difference.

You can also wash clothes at lower temperatures, avoid overfilling the kettle, use efficient lighting and switch equipment off when it isn’t required.

Improving insulation is often one of the most effective measures.

A better-insulated property loses heat more slowly, which means your heating system needs to work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Loft, wall and floor insulation may all be worth considering depending on the construction of your home.

Yes. Curtains, particularly thicker or lined curtains, can help reduce heat loss through windows.

Close them when it gets dark during colder months, but make sure curtains do not block radiators or other heat sources.

In most cases, yes. Eco programmes on washing machines and dishwashers are designed to reduce energy and water consumption.

They often take longer because they use lower temperatures, but this can make them more efficient.

A smart meter does not automatically reduce your energy use, but the information it provides can help.

Your in-home display can make it easier to identify when energy use is high and understand the effect of changing everyday habits.

Yes. If a light isn’t needed, switching it off avoids unnecessary electricity use.

LED bulbs are considerably more efficient than older lighting technologies, so replacing older bulbs with LEDs can also reduce electricity consumption.

Air drying uses far less electricity than tumble drying. Dry outdoors when possible.

If drying clothes indoors, ensure the room is adequately ventilated to help manage moisture and condensation.

Lower-temperature washing generally requires less energy because less electricity is needed to heat the water.

Many modern detergents are designed to work effectively at lower temperatures. Always follow clothing and detergent instructions where hygiene requirements call for a higher temperature.

It can. Closing doors between heated and unheated areas can help retain warmth where it is needed and reduce draughts through the property.

Generally, heating your home only when you need it is more efficient than keeping it heated continuously.

Timers, thermostats and smart heating controls can help you match heating periods to when rooms are actually occupied.

Yes. LEDs use much less electricity than traditional incandescent and halogen lighting and generally last considerably longer.

Prioritise replacing the lights you use most frequently.

Routers normally use relatively little electricity and many broadband providers recommend leaving them switched on so updates and services continue to work correctly.

If you are away for an extended period, check your provider’s advice before switching equipment off.

Yes. Many modern devices have low standby consumption, but electricity used unnecessarily across multiple appliances can still add up.

Switch equipment off where practical when it isn’t being used, while following the manufacturer’s instructions.

For routine periods away from home, use your heating controls to reduce unnecessary heating.

During very cold weather, frost protection may still be necessary, particularly if you are away for a longer period.

Yes. Heating unnecessary water uses extra electricity, so only filling the kettle with approximately the amount you need is a simple way to avoid waste.

Reflector panels can reduce heat loss through the wall behind a radiator, particularly where the radiator is mounted on an external wall.

Their benefit depends on the construction and insulation of the property.

This depends on the work involved and the tenancy arrangements. Landlords should communicate clearly with tenants before arranging improvements and ensure all appropriate permissions and access arrangements are in place.

Some energy-efficiency and heating schemes can include privately rented properties, often depending on the property and the circumstances of the tenant.

Funding changes, so contact us and we can help point you towards current schemes and eligibility information.

• Loft and appropriate wall insulation
• Heating controls
• Efficient heating systems
• LED lighting
• Improved windows and draught reduction
• Solar PV where the property is suitable

Improving energy efficiency can make properties more comfortable, reduce the energy required to heat them and help landlords prepare for current and future property standards.

Start with simple measures that can be monitored:

• Upgrade appropriate lighting to LEDs
• Use occupancy controls where suitable
• Switch equipment off when it isn’t required
• Maintain heating and cooling systems
• Monitor consumption using meter data
• Investigate insulation and building improvements

Yes. Opportunities can range from installing renewable technologies at your own premises to participating in community projects or working with renewable generators.

TCE is interested in hearing from businesses with buildings, land, energy demand or ideas that could contribute to future local projects.

• Measure energy and resource use
• Reduce unnecessary consumption
• Improve building efficiency
• Reduce waste and improve recycling
• Consider renewable generation
• Encourage lower-carbon travel where practical
• Work with local suppliers where appropriate

There are lots of ways to take part:

• Become a member
• Volunteer your time or skills
• Attend workshops and community events
• Share an idea for a future project
• Support future community renewable projects

Visit our Get Involved page to find out more.

Community energy can help create local renewable generation, reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and develop skills and volunteering opportunities.

TCE’s Community Benefit Society model is designed to keep community benefit central to the projects we develop.

Yes. Our Clacton office opened in June 2026.

You can find Tendring Community Energy at:

16 Station Road
Clacton-on-Sea
Essex
CO15 1SX

Yes. We welcome people who want to become part of Tendring Community Energy and support community-led energy across the district.

Find out about membership →