Our response to Great British Energy’s Local Power Plan
Great British Energy and The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero have released their Local Power Plan, which aims to ensure that communities directly benefit from the energy they help to produce.
Focus on building capacity, capability and skills 'essential'
Our group head of sector intelligence and external affairs Stew Horne said:
“Today’s publication of the Local Power Plan will ensure communities across the country can benefit from the clean energy transition. Backed by a new £1bn fund, the Plan sets out a strong and ambitious vision – that by 2030, every community in the UK will have the opportunity to own or participate in local energy projects.
“The focus on building capacity, capability and skills is essential. We know from our work delivering the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme and the Welsh Government Energy Service just how effective expert, tailored support can be in empowering communities to get projects off the ground.
“We now look forward to working with the UK Government and GB Energy to strengthen its advice offering to communities in England and develop the comprehensive support and financial backing they will need to fully benefit from the clean energy transition.”
We know from our work delivering the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme and the Welsh Government Energy Service just how effective expert, tailored support can be in empowering communities to get projects off the groundStew Horne, Group Head of Sector Intelligence and External Affairs
Community energy projects 'need consistent support to make it happen'
Our senior project manager Graham Ayling said:
“It’s encouraging to see a clear commitment to provide funding and finance for communities, which will be crucial to help them kick start the development and delivery of local projects. Our experience funding community energy through Ofgem’s Energy Redress Scheme shows how these initiatives can lead the way in a just transition to clean energy.
“We also support the ambition for local authorities and community energy groups to work together to make community energy a reality. Community solar on council buildings demonstrates how shared ambition can lower costs for public services whilst strengthening the sector.”
“These projects share the benefits of the green energy revolution with the people that host them. Many also create community funds to help households struggling with their bills so that no one is left behind. Local communities are both willing and capable of transforming our energy system for the better – they simply need consistent support to make it happen.”
Our experience funding community energy through Ofgem’s Energy Redress Scheme shows how these initiatives can lead the way in a just transition to clean energy.Graham AylingSenior Project Manager
