POWER Workshop: Planning Our Way to Energy Resilience
About this Event
POWER (Planning Our Way to Energy Resilience) Epping Forest: Local Energy, Local Ownership, Local Benefit
Free in-person workshop | Saturday 3 October 2026 | 10am–12pm
Hosted by Epping Forest District Council, in conjunction with Essex County Council
Led by Joolz Thompson, Community Climate Action
What if more of the energy we use was generated locally — and owned by the community?
Across Essex, towns and villages are exploring how locally owned renewable energy could cut costs, strengthen energy resilience and keep more of the financial benefits within their communities.
From rooftop solar and community batteries to larger solar and wind projects, community ownership can give local people a genuine voice and stake in our energy future. Surplus income can be reinvested in local priorities — supporting community facilities, tackling fuel poverty, improving local services or helping to reduce pressure on council precepts.
This free, interactive workshop will introduce POWER: Planning Our Way to Energy Resilience — a tailored programme of support from Essex County Council, developed in partnership with Community Climate Action.
Together, we’ll explore how residents, community organisations and councils can help shape, develop and potentially own local renewable energy projects.
During the workshop, you’ll:
✅ Discover how community-owned renewable energy works — and what it could mean for Epping Forest.
✅ Explore practical opportunities, including solar power, wind energy, community batteries and local energy partnerships.
✅ Learn how communities can have a meaningful voice and vote in the organisations that generate and supply their energy.
✅ Consider how income from renewable energy could be reinvested for lasting community benefit.
✅ Hear examples and lessons from communities already taking action.
✅ Find out how POWER can help your town, parish or neighbourhood create its own local energy plan.
Who should attend?
This workshop is open to anyone interested in cleaner, greener and more affordable energy, including:
- Local residents
- Community and environmental groups
- Town and parish councillors
- Parish clerks and council officers
- Residents’ associations
- Local businesses and landowners
- Schools, charities and community facilities
- Anyone curious about community-owned renewable energy
You don’t need any technical knowledge or previous experience — just an interest in how we can create a fairer, more resilient and locally owned energy future.
Energy is changing. Come and help decide who owns it, who benefits and what it could mean for your community.
Places are free, but booking is required.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
