Screening of inspiring story on harnessing natural energy followed by Q&A

Press ReleaseUpdated: 26 September 2025Environment and Climate Emergency
Wind turbines in a field on a sunny day with solar panels. Text that reads 'Cornwall's climate stories, power to the people'

Three Rivers residents can find out how to generate clean, reliable energy at home and in their community with a short film and Q&A with a panel of local industry experts this October at Watersmeet Theatre.

Three Rivers District Council is hosting the critically acclaimed Power to the People documentary at Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth followed by a panel discussion with industry experts on how local people can be part of a greener and more reliable energy-efficient future, including an opportunity for the audience to ask questions. The panel includes representatives from Grand Union Community Energy, UK Power Networks, Octopus Energy, National Energy Foundation, and the MCS Foundation.

The 2024 documentary – produced by Cornwall Climate Care – is presented by geologist Lucy Cotton and explores how people are using natural resources to produce energy in different, more sustainable ways. It looks at reducing energy use, showing that the future of energy won't depend on a single technology, and of the savings to be had on energy bills.

Cllr Jon Tankard, the council’s Lead Member for Climate Change and Sustainability, said: “Power to the People is a fascinating insight that showcases the diversity of renewable solutions and for providing an optimistic yet realistic perspective on the challenges of phasing out fossil fuels.

“Here in Three Rivers, we have installed solar panels, cavity wall insulation, double-glazing and LED lights to decarbonise our assets. We were also one of the first local authorities in England to install a ground source heat pump to warm our head office in Rickmansworth. We are going further with other planned works to continue to decarbonise our assets, doing our bit to keep our district green and clean.

“Climate change is the greatest threat to our world, so it’s important that we are all informed and involved. I urge anyone to come along to watch the short film, and take part in the panel discussion. It’s a great opportunity to put your questions to the experts, and to better understand what action you can take at home to live more sustainably, save money, and increase energy security”.

The film starts from 7pm on Tuesday 14 October and the free booking can be made here.