I was immensely proud last month to see an integral member of my Westminster Parliamentary team, Jason Pritchard, recognised in the Speaker’s ‘Roots to Parliament’ exhibition for Volunteer Week.

Jason’s recognition is for his outstanding contribution as the founder of a community energy project in the City of London. His dedication to community service and his commitment to tackling climate change are truly inspiring.

Many congratulations Jason! Great to see your work recognised.

Community energy is a powerful tool in our fight against climate change. It allows local communities to take back control of their energy production, reducing their carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. Jason’s work with the Aldgate Solar Power project is a shining example of what can be achieved when individuals come together to make a difference. His project not only generates clean, renewable energy but also fosters a sense of community spirit and cooperation. You can learn more about the project here.

In Norwich, we’ve seen some fantastic examples of community energy in action in the past. Norwich Community Solar, for instance, led the way with their solar projects, demonstrating the potential for local, renewable energy generation. But we need more of these initiatives across East Anglia.

That’s why I’m calling on residents of Norwich South to get involved in community energy. Whether it’s by joining an existing project, starting your own, or simply spreading the word about the benefits of community energy, there’s a role for everyone to play.

There are also resources available to help you get started. Community Energy England (CEE) is a not-for-profit membership organisation that supports and advocates for community energy in the UK. If you are interested in learning more about community energy, you can visit the CEE website or contact them directly. https://communityenergyengland.org/

Community energy is not just about reducing carbon emissions – it’s also about social justice. By taking control of our energy production, we can ensure that the benefits – both financial and environmental – are shared fairly across our communities. It’s a way of tackling fuel poverty, creating local jobs, and building a more equitable energy system.

I am a firm believer in the power of community energy, and I am committed to promoting more projects in Norwich South. If you are interested in getting involved, there are several ways to do so. You could join a local energy co-op, install solar panels at your home or workplace, or advocate for community energy in your local community.

I would also love to hear from constituents who have been involved in successful community energy projects in Norwich South. Your stories and experiences are invaluable, and I would be delighted to visit and promote your project. Please do get in touch with my office (clive.lewis.mp@parliament.uk) if you would like to share your project with us.

Together, we can make Norwich South a leader in community energy and play our part in tackling climate change.

Find out more about Labour’s ‘Climate Mission‘. (See p 13 for the Local Power Plan)