Flipping the switch: From oil wars and price shocks to renewable energy and community wealth. Thursday 23rd April 2026 (6.30pm for 7pm start)

Recent events have thrust us back into another energy crisis, only five years since we last saw climbing bills and headlines about resilience and security. Energy is crucial - it heats our homes, it lights our buildings, it runs our transport. But the current system is vulnerable to shocks that are felt around the world.

In this talk, Kirsten Ayris and Rich Lane of York Community Energy will discuss responses to the complexity of our energy system and will talk about some of the alternatives for our energy future - not just making the hugely important switch from fossil fuels to renewables, but thinking about ways that we can make the energy system work for us. From local renewables to community-owned energy generation, there are so many ways that our energy system could be upgraded for the better. In this talk, YCE will be introducing some alternatives for the energy system, and inviting you to share your vision for a brighter energy future.  

This session will include a one-pot vegetarian supper and discussion.

Jacobs Well, Trinity Lane, York, YO1 6EL

Doors open at 6.30pm for drinks. Talk starts at 7pm.

£17 Standard;  £8 Accessible/Struggling Financially or under 19 (limited places); £20 Supporter.

There are only a limited number of tickets for those struggling financially, therefore before using a discounted ticket, please consider sincerely if your circumstances warrant one of these discounted spaces. Thank you

 If you're struggling to pay even the reduced price please contact us via [email protected]

Please note that most of our events take place in an upstairs space and we do not have a lift so our venue is not fully accessible. Please get in touch if you have accessibility issues via [email protected].