CSE Community Energy Update

Somerset Community Energy Forum: what would you like to see?

CSE is planning to facilitate a Somerset Community Energy Forum in November 2011.

The idea is to provide an opportunity for members of community energy groups in Somerset to network with each other and benefit from information and discussions about topics relevant to community energy projects. The focus is likely to be on the imminent launch of the Green Deal, and the issues and opportunities it presents for community groups. There is an event already taking place in Bristol in October about the Green Deal(more info here: http://www.cse.org.uk/news/view/1561) and we don’t want community groups to miss out!

However, before we start planning an event we wanted to ask people involved in local community energy groups for suggestions and input to make it as useful as possible. Please let me know if you think a Somerset Community Energy Forum would be useful to you, and if so what you would like to see in terms of

1. Topics

For example, the Green Deal / improving energy efficiency in ‘hard to treat’ homes / resources for communities / renewable energy / subsidies and support available in Somerset / updates from local groups...

2. Date, time, venue and cost

When and where would be the best place to hold this sort of event? Half a day on a Saturday? A full day in the week? A weekday evening? Are there any dates to avoid? Where would be a good location? Should it be free to all attendees?

3. Format

Would format would you like it to take? E.g. workshops / talks / guest speakers / networking time / open space / break out discussion groups / display stands? Something else? Or a mixture of these? Would you like to help with the event?

Best regards

Bridget Newbery

Community Projects Manager, Centre for Sustainable Energy

0117 9341413 (direct)    0117 9341400 (swithcboard)   www.cse.org.uk  

To find out more about help and information to support community groups in Avon and Somerset, email communities@cse.org.ukor look on our website.