THE newly formed Community of Okehampton Renewable Energy Society (CORES) has just commissioned its first solar panel installation on a roof in Exeter Road Industrial Estate.

Okehampton is now, for the first time in 100 years, generating its own electricity again. In the 1880s through to Edwardian times Okehampton generated its own electricity using the abundant water power in the rivers.

Earlier this month Okehampton began generating ‘free’ electricity again from the natural resource of sunlight.

CORES members hope that this will be the start of a series of installations to produce cheaper electricity for local community use — including the potential for water powered generation from the rivers running through the town.

CORES directors (all local people), are about to issue the share offer and business plan for local people to invest in the community by buying a share in the enterprise.

Bob Rush said: ‘The renewable energy society CORES was formed following from a town council working group investigation last May to develop the chance of keeping some of the money we are paying the “big six” utility companies here in Okehampton.

‘If we can increase the solar panel installations and provide cheaper electricity for local use, while making a profit for use in Okehampton for good works, then everyone wins.

‘All profit will be paid out in dividends, invested in funding further local renewable energy projects, or be used for charitable work in our community. Look out for our CORES leaflets in town centre shops and in the Town Hall.

‘Remember, from little acorns mighty Okes grow.’