THE FIRST meeting of the Petersfield Community Energy project left organisers “delighted” with the response.
The meeting on November 15 in the private hire room in The Square Brewery attracted around 36 people say organisers Ingrid Martin, and Julie Yardley who founded Petersfield Community Energy (PEC).
Julie of Kimbers in Petersfield said: “We were delighted with the turnout, very pleased, it filled the room, and they all seemed very interested and seriously interested in the project.”
PEC aims to promote sustainable energy in Petersfield homes, schools and businesses.
Julie added: “It’ll be a mixture helping to get funding for renewables, such as solar power and biomass, and helping to get grants to cut energy costs.”
Trained members will also heat-assess premises, business or private, to help identify potential savings.
Ingrid Martin of Mill Road in Liss added: “’We are very pleased that so many people came to the launch, which demonstrates a sizeable level of interest in what the group has been set up to achieve.”
The chairman of a similar established scheme in Alton, Energy Alton, John Hubbard and East Hampshire District Council Energy Strategy Manager Jane Devlin both attended to offer advice and information.
Julie and Ingrid are receiving training in household energy efficiency assessments, and whilst there is already help available at county level, the group wants to do more for the Petersfield community.
One current scheme is called ’hitting the cold spots’ which is funded by Hampshire County Council who are working with a local charity, the Environment Centre, to help vulnerable people keep warm this winter.
Petersfield Community Energy is a not-for-profit group modelled on the successful project Energy Alton.
For more information email Julie on [email protected]