A big thank you to everyone who came to our event with Catherine Mitchell on 10th February. We are chuffed that so many people came along – about 70 people from across the community – proof of the level of energy and interest in the transition to sustainable energy.
Catherine gave us an amazing insight into the workings of international and national energy markets, comparing the advances of renewable energy in other countries to the significant blocks in the UK – blocks that can only be overcome with significant regulatory change.
During Catherine’s talk and in answering questions she stressed the role of community energy and how achieving this shift remains very much in our hands. Catherine emphasised how bottom-up action by people and communities make a difference and will influence top-down decision-making. This theme was returned to during the engaged open forum. It was really encouraging to hear people voice their support and enthusiasm for this idea – an underpinning principle of what ECOE is trying to achieve.
For anyone not able to make it, you can view Catherine’s slides here.
You can also see more of Catherine’s views, at igov blog
This series of events has truly been invaluable in bringing together a wide cross section of people from across our community – those involved in the energy sector, community groups, and people who want to see positive change in our city and be a part of making it happen. We’re all involved and learning how we can shape our future, and out of this has come a long list of practical steps to get us there.
So we’re having a more focused volunteer evening on 3rd March at 19.00 for anyone interested in helping to make community energy a reality in Exeter – you might be able to give a couple of hours here and there, a regular voluntary commitment, or
even look at funding options for future paid work. Please put it in your diary now and make sure you’re signed up to our newsletter to be notified when the venue is confirmed.
