Across the UK, households and businesses are struggling to come to terms with the recent 80% increase in the energy price cap leading to a surge in electricity and gas costs this autumn. However, in south Hampshire one innovative charity – Titchfield Festival Theatre (TFT) – is facing the winter with greater confidence due to its prior investment in solar panels, a biomass boiler and a water recycling system.

During 2018, TFT installed renewable energy systems to enable it to become self-sufficient and to reduce its impact on the environment. This work is now paying off significantly, allowing the charity to plan its programme of plays, musicals, young people’s programmes and other events without worrying about huge energy bills.

Kevin Fraser, TFT’s Chair of Trustees and Artistic Director said,

“Four years ago, we decided to bite the bullet by investing a large amount of our funds into energy efficient heating and water systems. It is something we passionately believe in, as we want to do our bit to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and improve the environment for future generations. Our electricity is generated from the solar panels and the heating is provided by the biomass boiler; and what is more, there is no gas in the building.

“The situation facing many of our patrons and local businesses is incredibly stark at the moment; and we are all hoping that the situation will improve and not be as difficult as is currently predicted.  However, what we can say is that whatever the position will be in terms of energy costs in the future, the lights at TFT will continue to burn brightly.”