On 29 January 2023, we had a lively meeting discussing Community Energy. Two of our speakers provided video presentations, which are available on our YouTube page at the links below.

Syed Ahmed from Community Energy London, discussing the challenges and opportunities for energy generation in the capital – video here:

Andy Rolfe from Ealing Transition and the Schools Energy Coop, discussing Ealing Transition’s solar school projects and what’s next – video here:

We also enjoyed presentations from Daniel Mepham from Ealing Council’s climate action team, and from Rupert Meadows discussing Power for People’s Local Electricity Bill. After the discussion, we explored answers to the following questions.

1) What can we do to make community energy a reality in Ealing?

• Join in with community energy groups in London and locally: see Community Energy London for inspiration and information about what others are doing.

• Part own a wind farm! –  see RippleEnergy:  

• Support Power for People’s campaign “the Local Electricity Bill” aimed at introducing legislation to reduce the administrative burden on local energy generation groups.

• Write to your MP asking them to support the Local Electricity Bill / thank them again for supporting the bill.

• Ask that Ealing Council create a Community Energy Fund – see Hounslow Community Energy Fund for example.

• Be energy aware: plug draughts (borrow/source an IR cameras to find out where); think about insulation; make sure radiators and boilers are effective; make sure boilers are not over heating water that is too hot; think about solar panels on the roof.

2) What additional community energy projects would we like to see in Ealing?

• The introduction of support schemes for flat owners to install, co-own and manage communal energy facilities (e.g. solar, heat pumps) on their building, in cooperation with lease and free holders.

• Better use of communal and public facilities (e.g. car parks, shopping centre, leisure centre) to generate electricity via solar panels on the roof, or for installing use zero/low carbon heat sources like heat pumps.

• Retrofit support schemes for residents and local businesses – providing information about reputable suppliers / installers in the area – and information for owners and renters.

• Possibility of local schools selling their energy to local residents (especially in summer holidays when generation is at its peak).