5 Minutes with Octopus Energy Community Ambassador Renata Noronha
We speak to Renata Noronha, People Power Community Ambassador at Octopus Energy about their involvement in Brighton Festival and their People Power scheme.
As the theme of this year’s festival is care, what does care mean for you?
For me, care means love, generosity, altruism and responsibility for the people around you – community.
Brighton is a city that truly cares. I’m lucky to get to see that care in action every day through People Power Brighton, an Octopus project that supports all sorts of incredible local people and organisations who care so much about making life better for the people of Brighton.
Octopus Energy’s a pretty unique business because we really care, too. Everyone here honestly, genuinely wants to help – whether that’s by getting involved in community events like Brighton Beach Clean-ups, sending flowers to customers going through a hard time, or even just being there for a friendly chat when you’re submitting meter readings.
What’s your involvement with the Festival this year?
This year, Octopus Energy’s People Power are teaming up with Brighton Festival to raise money for their awesome local events like HERSTORY, Our Place, Children's Parade At Large & The People’s Cabaret by switching people to green energy. Every switch to Octopus as a friend of the festival will raise up to £50!
Can you tell us more about the People Power initiative?
People Power Brighton is a community collaboration project at Octopus Energy, that aims to raise funds for local organisations, whilst promoting green energy. We want to get involved with the communities in Brighton get them excited about sustainability.
Why is it important for you to support Brighton’s local community and Brighton Festival?
I believe sustainable development can only be achieved by working with local communities and projects. Grassroots initiatives are essential to engage a larger part of society in the pursuit of a fairer and greener world. I l love what Brighton Festival does to bring people all over the city together ensuring that no one in the community gets left behind – we’re proud to support this important work.
Why did you decide to get involved in the Festival, and what do you enjoy most about it?
Shouting about green energy at this beloved sustainably focused Brightonian festival seemed like a no-brainer. I think it is amazing how the festival brings art and culture to so many different areas of Brighton and Hove. It is really accessible and easy to participate in, which makes it so fun and exciting!
What has been your favourite highlights from previous years?
I've been living in Brighton for only 2 years now and this is the first Brighton Festival I can actually participate in. I think what amazes me the most is how big it’s gotten and how diverse the performances and artists are. It feels like every year will be more surprising than the last.
