A FREE Power to the People event to promote community energy schemes will take place in Kendal on Monday (Feb 26).

Representatives from businesses, community groups and public-sector organisations are invited to learn how they could potentially boost their income.

Topping the bill is Gordon Cowtan, who helped set up one the UK’s best-known schemes, in Fintry in Scotland. He will share the story of the village’s journey towards a zero-carbon, zero-waste community, which all began with a wind turbine.

Event organiser Rhona Pringle, from Cumbria Action for Sustainability, said community energy can come in lots of different forms, which organisations and communities might not have thought of. She said the event will give attendees a good introduction along with lots of ideas.

“Any organisation that has land or buildings, whether a business, a charity, or a sports club or a hospital, for example, could look at leasing their land for a solar or wind power scheme owned by the community,” said Rhona. “A few other examples could be a hydro turbine on a local river, or a district heating scheme where waste heat from a business is captured and used to heat homes or generate power.”

One of the South Lakeland schemes that will be highlighted is a partnership between a business and community energy group in Burneside.

“Burneside Community Energy leased roof space from James Cropper PLC for solar PV panels,” Rhona said. “They generate an income for shareholders and community projects, while Croppers gains from the lease and buys the electricity at a reduced cost compared to market rates, so it’s great for both the business and the community.”

Attendees will also hear how people came together to form Community Energy Cumbria, successfully setting up a hydro scheme at Killington Reservoir.

Helen Seagrave, the newly-appointed community energy manager at Electricity North West, will also shed light on connecting into the National Grid and how her organisation plans to support community schemes.

The event is at Kendal Town Hall is from 7pm to 9pm and is offered free-of-charge thanks to support and funding from South Lakeland District Council.