You may be aware that some newspapers have reported that the Treasury is considering making cuts to budgets in Great British Energy, including to local energy projects. These stories are not necessarily indicative of the views of most government and Treasury ministers and officials, as shown in a quote attributed to a government spokesperson carried in the Guardian: “We are fully committed to the £8.3bn for GB Energy, which is at the heart of our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower and to ensure our homes are cheaper and cleaner to run.”
However, we are aware that the government is looking at how to make cost savings across all of its activities and are strongly making the case that investment in community energy is not only vital for the transition to net zero but also excellent value for money for the taxpayer. We will continue to work closely with the government to ensure that the rollout of the Local Power Plan is a success.
We have written to the papers that carried this story with the following quote from CEE’s Chief Executive, Emma Bridge:
“Cutting investment in local and community energy would be shortsighted and counterproductive. Ramping up homegrown production of clean energy is one of the key ways that the UK and Europe more widely can reduce our dependence on Russia. Community energy organisations across the country stand ready to rapidly deliver hundreds of clean energy projects that would not only reduce our reliance on imported energy, but would also cut bills, tackle fuel poverty and boost growth. The Treasury should look again at what the country stands to gain by investing in local communities and clean power - they are crucial for delivering economic growth and energy independence.”
We will continue to keep our members updated with the latest information from the government.