Community energy roadshows launching across Leicestershire
People are being encouraged to get involved in shaping a more sustainable future for the county
People in Leicestershire are being encouraged to get involved in shaping a more sustainable future for the county.
A series of energy roadshows are taking place this Autumn, designed to help households save energy, and reduce their bills.
They're are part of the GreenerFuture Leicestershire project, an initiative led by Leicestershire County Council in partnership with a number of organisations including Community Energy Pathways and Green Fox Community Energy.
Ben Dodd is a director at Green Fox Community Energy and tells us more:
"These events are there to help people get to know what's happening with community led energy projects, and get advise on how to save on their energy bills through improving home energy efficiency and installing solar and other low carbon technology like heat pumps.
"The roadshow is a way to celebrate the work that local communities have been doing together to make energy savings, and improve community resilience. It's a chance to see the work in action and get involved, plus you'll pick up some energy saving tips and have a say in improving the local environment."
Following the launch of Leicestershire's Community Energy Grant Scheme earlier this year, community groups who successfully bid for funding are now showcasing their ideas with a series of public roadshows aimed at helping residents understand how they can save and generate energy in their communities.
Organised by Community Energy Pathways in collaboration with Leicestershire County Council, the roadshows will take place in five locations across the county.
- The Three Swans, High Street, Market Harborough – Saturday 27 September - 10.30am-1.30 pm
- The Stockyard, Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray – Tuesday 21 October 11am - 3pm
- Burbage Millenium Hall, Burbage – Saturday 8 November - 2-4pm
- Ground floor, Hugh Aston Building, De Montfort University, Wednesday 12 November - 6pm – 8.45pm
Visitors to the events will have the chance to meet local Energy Champions, explore practical ways to save energy and reduce bills, learn about community-led energy projects and local energy planning.
Each event will have an energy advice desk, and visitors will get the opportunity to hear from local speakers and representatives from their local community energy groups.
The initiative is part of a wider 'demonstrator' project funded by Innovate UK. Earlier this year, community groups and organisations across Leicestershire were invited to apply for funding to kickstart renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in their local areas.
A total of £140,000 was available through the Get Ready Community Energy Fund to support initiatives that help communities to develop their projects their own renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives that benefit residents, for example by creating green jobs, saving money on energy bills and community-owned solar panels on schools.