Energy Advisor - Richard Watson (OBE)

Richard Watson was the guest speaker at the club’s meeting on 1^st March 2017.

Richard is the founder of Energise Sussex Coast, a social enterprise established to address fuel poverty in Hastings, Rye and Rother through the promotion of energy efficiency programmes and renewable energy generation.

Working in cooperation with a number of local charities including CAB, Royal Voluntary Service as well as the local authorities and housing associations the company has  initiated a number of projects all aimed at reducing people’s fuel bills and reducing carbon emissions. They particularly want to support the over-70s, people with young families, in rented homes or on benefits and regular events are held to get people to take in their utility bills to be checked. Many have been helped and saved money, a great boon to those who are suffering energy poverty.

Richard spoke more about a future project currently being researched; the establishment of energy cooperatives where up to 100 properties can be connected to solar energy by electricity generated from solar panels installed on only some of the properties. An instance is a church roof, a community centre, or industrial unit being fitted with solar panels and the resultant electricity is used by that building and local housing.  Already St Leonards Academy has been fitted with panels and the results are being assessed. Richard said that the main feasibility study is now taking place in Ore Valley, one of the most deprived areas in the country. With European and UK grants available for studies Energise Sussex Coast is working very closely with a number of local bodies to draw up a feasibility plan

Fitz Fitz-Graham gave the vote of thanks welcoming the initiative and speaking of his positive experience of solar energy in Africa.

Energise Sussex Coast run a regular Energy Clinic at Hastings Town Hall each Tuesday from 9.30am to