This exciting new community initiative was announced at the recent Parish Council AGM. Claire Hammond speaks to founder Ian Bowater to find out more:-
Claire: Ian, what is CHARGE?
Ian: CHARGE stands for Claverdon Harnessing Alternative Renewable Green Energy (perhaps the parish’s first AI generated name). It has been set up as a Community Interest Company (CIC) with the objective of helping Claverdon to become a leading example of the efficient use of renewable energy..
Right now, the community is almost totally dependent on oil or LPG. We aim to support the community to make the right choices when it comes time to transition away from fossil fuels.
For example, Claverdon Church Centre is upgrading from old oil boilers to modern air-to-air heating technology and solar panels. Our school needs to reduce it’s energy costs. Some homeowners have reached the point where they are replacing their old oil or LPG boilers. CHARGE aims to support Claverdon residents, businesses and services to make that transition.
Claire: tell us about you and why you wanted to set-up CHARGE?
Ian: In brief, I’m a bit of a nerd and I’m keen to help my community.
Twelve years ago, Deb and I were fortunate to get planning permission for a new build in the parish. Back then, we decided to incorporate as many efficiencies and renewable energy features as possible.
Over the years, I’ve been staggered by the resulting financial benefits. The savings have been a revelation. I’d like to share our experience for the benefit of others.
In addition, I am one of the founding members of Friends of Yarningale Common (FoYC), who aim to protect the common and increase it’s biodiversity. Through this I have learned the value of working together as a community action group.
Claire: Your home was a new build, mine isn’t and there are many different types of homes across the parish. How does CHARGE work for older existing houses?
Ian: Another highly relevant question Claire.
I don’t have all the answers, but CHARGE aims to research different solutions and help everyone transition their homes away from fossil fuels. We can’t do everything all at once, and we don’t need to.
For example, some residents may have to consider improving insulation as a first step before introducing renewable solutions. But to understand the steps required, we will start by working with residents to learn more about what they have currently. Then help research appropriate retrofit solutions.
Claire: Will CHARGE be able to help financially?
Ian: That is our aim. As mentioned earlier, CHARGE is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, endorsed and supported by the Parish Council. We are applying for available grants and exploring projects that generate and share income with the community. Our primary goal is to support change. CHARGE is about making the transition to renewable energy as cost-effective as possible for everyone, particularly for the less well off in the parish.
Claire: How can Claverdon residents get involved?
Ian: Residents don’t need to join or pay anything. Although we’re just starting out, we aim is to reach out to every property in our parish. Our objective is to invite everyone to hear our plan and ask questions. This initiative will only benefit the community if people participate and share information, even if it’s just to say, “I want to know more.”
Some parishioners have valuable experience to share, and my hope is that CHARGE can spark discussions through talks, meetings, and newsletters.
If you’re interested, please email CHARGECIC@gmail.com with your name to receive future updates.
Cllr Claire Hammond