Smart Energy GB and TV presenter Julia Bradbury launched a campaign last month to shine a light on the efforts of energy heroes who are generating energy.
“From households getting smart meters to community energy groups generating their own energy from solar panels or wind turbines and selling energy back to the grid, we are learning about where our energy comes from and proudly investing in a more resilient energy system. This campaign shows how the energy efforts of the heroes, and the community energy groups they are involved with, are helping to support our system and the vital role smart meters play in making it more secure.”
One of Smart Energy’s heroes is former Community Energy Scotland engineer, Andy Maybury, from Hawick. Andy has transformed his house into an energy-generating asset that consistently exports energy back onto the grid. This house was the first in Scotland to be awarded the title of ‘Superhouse’, due to the adaptations of which Andy has installed – most of them by himself. Andy also chairs the Hawick Community Energy Group Ltd, the local energy coop, and he also participates in TECC, the local electric vehicle car club in Hawick.
The launch follows research showing Scots significantly underestimate how much electricity is home-grown. On average, Scots estimate 38 per cent of our electricity is produced in the UK, compared to the 93 per cent that is actually produced. Research also found that a third (34 per cent) of Scots want to know more about where their energy comes from and 42 per cent support generating more energy in the UK to make our system smarter and more sustainable. (Research of 4,000 British adults conducted by OnePoll between 28th September and 3rd October)
Smart Energy GB – Guest blog
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