By Isle of Wight Observer
The Island’s Utilita Energy Hub will mark its fifth anniversary next week, and the team will be welcoming both regular and new hub visitors to a free coffee morning.
Supervisor, Simon Jackson, is looking forward to welcoming Islanders to help celebrate the milestone on Wednesday (March 19), from 9am to 5.30pm, and everyone is invited along to 121 High Street, Newport, to enjoy a slice of birthday cake and a tea, coffee or hot chocolate. As well as getting energy advice, visitors will have the chance to win a rice cooker, with the raffle prize-winner being revealed at 5pm.
Utilita opened its first hub in the UK in 2018, with the aim of serving not only customers but local communities too. In March 2020, Utilita opened the Island’s first high street Energy Hub as part of its drive to have more face-to-face conversations with people about how to make their energy go further and pay less.
As well as offering energy advice to everyone, the hub engages in community events and works with charities, such as the Pyle Street Pantry and Pan Together. The team also regularly welcomes local community groups, such as U3A and Women On the Wight’s (WOW!) Knit and Natter, to its free-to-book community room.
Simon said: “We have had such fantastic support since the first day we opened our doors, and really have been made to feel so welcome in Newport. For me, one of the many highlights over the past five years was hosting England’s Aneurin Donald and Scotland’s Scott Currie at a meet-and-greet session, which proved hugely popular with cricket fans from across the Island.
“We’re immensely grateful to the people of Newport, and beyond, for really embracing what we do here – and we look forward to celebrating our anniversary on Wednesday. Please do pop along for a cuppa, a slice of birthday cake, and take advantage of our energy saving advice – good for the planet, and your pocket.”
Any community groups interested in using the community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing Isleofwight@utilita.co.uk.
