Community energy proposals receive unanimous council support

A motion calling for a popular renewable energy campaign to become law has unanimous support from members of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

All 40 councillors who attended a recent Full Council meeting back the motion – proposed by Council Leader Simon Tagg and seconded by Cllr. Rupert Adcock – welcoming the Local Electricity Bill which aims to adjust energy market rules, enabling the potential increase of local renewable energy sold directly by community groups, businesses and councils.

The Private Members’ Bill, which is at the second reading stage in Parliament, removes current financial barriers such as set up and running costs to make it viable for small, local electricity generators to supply to residents in addition to the larger utility companies.

The proposed law, submitted by Wantage MP David Johnston and organised by not-for-profit organisation Power for People, has cross-party support from more than 300 MPs including those who represent Newcastle-under-Lyme.

The Council is now writing to The Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, the new Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to make him aware of its position.

Council Leader Simon Tagg said: “I’m pleased that my motion for the Local Electricity Bill has unanimous support from the Council. More than ever, it’s really important that we’re doing everything we can to promote locally produced renewable energy as it’s the most secure option for the future. We’re seeing the need for this type of energy with the current crisis, which is affected by conflicts going on across the world.

“A shining example is at Keele University which supplies sustainable energy on campus via its own wind and solar farms. At the moment, they’re not allowed to sell to local customers. This could be a boon area for business, and subsequently for local economies, in the future.

“We all must reduce our carbon footprint in order to minimise the effects of climate change. The Council is committed to reducing its own greenhouse gas emissions in the borough, as evidenced in the new Council Plan, including using renewable energy in its buildings and moving towards vehicles that use non-carbon fuels.”

Cllr. Adcock added: “It’s crucial that we encourage smaller companies to come into the market. Removing current financial barriers would not only help residents, businesses and organisations in the borough by increasing energy supply and security, while potentially lowering their bills, it would also help to fight climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.”