Community Energy Champions
The “champion” role is quite broad in terms of what it could cover, and the time involved. Allowing champions to choose a role that best fits their interests, expertise, and available time.
The champions form the backbone of our community energy NetZero initiative – effectively the committee and community representatives.
The time dedicated depends on the individual and could vary from a few minutes to a few hours per week. In all cases, unless opted out, the champions would be a group who “talk” on email, WhatsApp, and periodic in-person or online meetings.
The role of the champion can include any mix of:
Ambassador
who promotes our community energy initiative to community members and answers their questions and funnels feedback to the committee
Advisor
who provides information and assistance to both the committee and the community, for example on a particular area of interest or expertise, such as on heat pumps, solar power, electric industry, insulation, EVs, financial modelling, fundraising (commercial, community and government grants), legal such as contacts and social enterprise company formation, general project management, etc.
Note: you can just be interested in a particular area, not an expert! For example, doing some research on potential heating options
Owner
who owns and helps facilitate a particular area of work, for example working with other community energy projects, helping find land for a solar farm, working on planning permission, creating financial models, fundraising, etc.
Our Community Champions
Rob Abraham
Pam Armstrong
Julie Arnold
Jon Cantouris*
Nick Cartwright*
Hilary Collins
Julie Hammerton
Mark Hastie-Oldland*
Paul Hawkins
Tim Hopes
Nick Hunt*
Jo Felstead
Ed Janvrin
Mike McKeown*
Andy Mortimer
Ranjit Prasad*
Duncan Stradling
Matthew Weiniger
David Willis*
Jo Winston
All of our champions are members of the local community assisting in their spare time. No one is paid or has any commercial or political motivation or interest in the initiative. They are helping because they believe this is a good initiative for the community.
*These community energy champions are also directors of Thames Head Energy
Ready to help?
or just stay informed?