A VILLAGE hall’s energy bill has been slashed in half only two weeks after solar panels were installed.
The panels were put on the roof of Butterknowle Village Hall, along with new battery storage, in November.
Hall treasurer Jeanette Newell said: “We had been paying about £500 a month.
“The solar panels had only been up for about ten days and the first bill was only £270. Obviously we are into the winter months but in the summer it will really make a saving.”
She added that a smart electricity meter is due to be installed to more carefully monitor usage and the energy supply would be swapped to a scheme that offers benefits to village halls when the current contract expires early this year.
The new set-up was installed at a cost of £10,000 thanks to various funders, including the neighbourhood budgets of county councillors Robert Potts and James Cosslett.
The hall also held a number of successful fundraisers throughout last year.
Ms Newell said: “We had a monthly tea and cake afternoon just as a way to generate a bit of income. In eight months we raised £900.
“It doesn’t sound like a lot in the scheme of things but it all mounts up.”
For a £4 donation those who attend get a cup of coffee or tea as well as a slice of cake of their choice.
