Community group Energy Alton (EA) energyalton.org.uk has been in operation for ten years, and aims to help people reduce energy costs, increase comfort and well-being, reduce fossil fuels and promote renewables. Energy Alton has previously run a high street advice centre, offered free loft insulation and installed 10 kws of solar PV on the roof of Alton library.
Energy Alton offers
- Free home energy surveys and advice
- Energy surveys of public buildings – three completed including the Friends Meeting House, the Community Centre and the middle of Alton Maltings
- Free thermal imaging
- An advice line and information sheets on our website
- Periodic home energy open days – most recently on 19th October 2019
- Evening meetings with expert speakers
- EA stalls at markets and community events including the electric vehicle display at the Alton Classic Car Rally, held for the past 3 years
We need more volunteer help. Training can be given, it’s very rewarding – not glamorous but essential.
For the future Energy Alton would like to promote renewable energy more, for example:
- Solar PV on commercial properties
- Lobbying to build renewables into new buildings
- Start a community energy enterprise
- A co-op that can enter contracts with energy suppliers and users
- Raise funds through public subscription
- Use profits for seed money for new schemes