Podcast Power in the City Episode 3: A sunny disposition

Feeling the sting of high energy bills? Wish we were less dependent on profit hungry energy companies? This episode is about powering our local futures by harnessing the power of the sun together. Join us to meet people in Oldham and beyond, talking about how solar can be a way of powering our homes and making the electricity that we need in a much more fair, affordable, and sustainable way.

You will hear about the experience of individual householders and business owners who adopted solar early. You will find out about innovative business models that could help us to get cheaper energy to local people and how we might even be able to create surplus to re-invest in our communities.

But you might think: Solar in Oldham? Is that even possible? Episode producer Hannah has an interesting proposition. Her thinking is that if we find out that solar energy can actually power a place like Oldham, then solar could power anywhere in England. Join us for this episode to find out for yourself.

Oldham resident Philippa Whittaker tells us how and why she bakes a loaf of bread with solar power and Mohammed Ashraf explains the connection between his solar panels and the well-being of future generations. Simon Davies from First Choice Homes shares their ambitious plans for solar energy to improve their tenants’ lives and community energy group Oldham Community Power who have installed solar on Oldham schools and community centres talk about the energy we can create together – both literally and figuratively. You will find out from Oldham Entrepreneur David Weidenbaum just how many solar panels you can fit on a mill’s roof and hear from Oldham Council Sustainability Lead Andrew Hunt about a near future where we will be able to buy locally produced energy at a reduced price via local energy markets.

This episode is dedicated to the remarkable Philippa Whittaker who sadly passed away since our interview. Though we did not know her long, we were deeply grateful to her for sharing her enthusiasm and considerable expertise across many topics and we’re greatly inspired by her forward thinking and hopes for a more environmentally friendly future. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.

Call to action

Want to get involved? So this week’s question is: Do you know of any renewable generation in your area that is owned by local groups or the council? Tell us about it. As always, we’ll add it to the show notes and do a shout out. Email powerinthecity@carbon.coop.

Episode credits

Interviews with:
Mohammed Ashraf
Philippa Whittaker
Simon Davies – First Choice Homes Oldham
Kate Gilmartin
Bill Edwards – Oldham Community Power
David Weidenbaum
Andrew Hunt

Power in the City is funded by the Electricity North West Powering our Communities Fund, ICLEI Action Fund and UCL Grand Challenges.