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Events

Ealing Transition’s Community Energy Event

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

Our Next Event: Community Energy – 7.30pm Sunday 29 January 2023, St Mary’s Ealing (Speakers confirmed)

Our next event on Sunday 29 January 2023, at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church Ealing, W5 5RH, explores how we as a community can access clean, sustainable and equitable sources of power, while reducing our dependence on expensive and polluting fossil fuels.

We will be listening to contributors from Community Energy London, Ealing Transition, Ealing Council and Power for People, discuss community energy projects, and the actions needed to make these even more successful and wide ranging. Details of the contributors to the event are below.

Syed Ahmed (Community Energy London)

Syed has almost 20 years’ experience working in sustainable energy and has occupied senior roles in public, private and third sector organizations. He is currently a director of the Parliamentary Renewable and Sustainable Energy Group, a trustee for national fuel poverty organization National Energy Action and a policy advisor to the Green Gas Certification Scheme. We will be listening to a video address from Syed discussing Community Energy London‘s recent initiatives.

Andy Rolfe (Ealing Transition / Schools Energy Coop)

Andy Rolfe has worked on Ealing Transition’s schools solar project since its inception in 2015. He is also a volunteer director of the Schools’ Energy Cooperative. Andy holds a first degree in Electrical Engineering, and a Masters degree in science, technology and environment, focusing on the social, environment and economic aspects of UK energy supply, as well as being a qualified electrician. He previously taught energy systems and sustainability for the Open University, with a focus on renewable energy technologies.

Daniel Mepham (Ealing Council Domestic Energy Officer)

Daniel is Ealing Council’s Domestic Energy Officer, working primarily on the council’s fuel poverty programmes, with a particular focus on improving the energy efficiency of homes in the borough. He will be discussing what the council is currently doing to achieve our energy goals as set out in the CEES, and finding out what we can learn from the community to make our response more reflective of community opinion and expertise.

Rupert Meadows (Power for People)

Rupert has been at Power for People for three years. He feels strongly that local people across the UK must benefit from the transition to Net Zero. With the Local Electricity Bill Campaign, he has worked primarily with community organisations and MP engagement.

Community energy is collective action to reduce, purchase, manage and generate energy. Community energy projects have an emphasis on local engagement, local leadership and control and the local community benefiting collectively from the outcomes. Community energy has the potential to reduce household bills, reduce local carbon emissions and bring people together with a common purpose.

Would you like to learn more about community energy and how it can help you and the planet? Come along to our event on 29th and find out more!

Events

Our Next Event: Community Energy – 7.30pm Sunday 29 January 2023, St Mary’s Ealing

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Our next event is on Sunday 29 January 2023 at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Ealing. We will be exploring how we as a community can access clean, sustainable and equitable sources of power, while reducing our dependence on expensive and polluting fossil fuels. We will be listening to speakers from Community Energy London, Ealing Transition and from Ealing Council discuss community energy projects, and the action needed to make these even more successful, and wide ranging.

Community energy is collective action to reduce, purchase, manage and generate energy. Community energy projects have an emphasis on local engagement, local leadership and control and the local community benefiting collectively from the outcomes. Community energy has the potential to reduce household bills, reduce local carbon emissions and bring people together with a common purpose.

Would you like to learn more about community energy and how it can help you and the planet? Come along to our event on 29th and find out more. There will be opportunities to hear from a variety of engaging speakers, including those who have already successfully set up community energy projects and are benefiting from them, as well as time for discussion on how you may get involved.