Today, 31 March, is the official closure of the Feed in Tariff which supports community energy and small-scale renewable energy schemes by providing payments for surplus energy these projects supply back to the grid, and guaranteeing a set rate of funding for any power produced.
The majority of community energy schemes are developed using capital raised by local people, and allow for clean, green renewable energy to be generated and used by a community asset, like a school, village hall or health centre. Alongside the production of cheaper and cleaner energy, projects also educate people around them about everything from energy efficiency to new green technology and the benefits on offer.
Leaving community energy schemes in limbo whilst Government determines what to do next is counter-intuitive. At a time when more people than ever are alert to the threat of climate change, they are willingly squeezing a voluntary sector that's championing a clean, green, technologically advanced energy system. Let's face it, big energy companies and politicians aren't always the people to influence a renewable energy sceptic, but a trusted neighbour, local headteacher or community pub landlord might well be better placed to explain how renewable energy can really make a difference. We call on the Government to announce a firm commitment for the sector, and an alternative support mechanism in the wake of the Feed in Tariff closure.
Emma Bridge, chief executive of Community Energy England, said: "The closure of the Feed in Tariff today, is a devastating blow to the Government's own aim of creating a nation that has better energy security and efficiency.
"As the Feed in Tariff closes, community energy, and small scale renewable energy schemes are left in limbo, and as of today, forced to return surplus energy supplies to the grid without any compensation, whilst Government determines its next policy.
"Community energy schemes play a vital role in publicly demonstrating the benefits of renewable energy, from school rooftop solar panel installations in the heart of a city, to village halls powered by hydro; local people are explaining to their neighbours how green technology works, whilst lowering carbon emissions and saving money on fuel bills. And in the majority of instances local people raise the capital to build these schemes themselves.
"If this Government is serious about tackling climate change, and supporting its citizens to play their part in reducing carbon emissions, then we need to see a firm commitment from them about what alternative support they will offer to the community energy sector in the wake of the Feed in Tariff closure.
"There is a growing number of people supporting community energy schemes - these are precisely the community champions the Government needs to help spread the message about the benefits of everything from renewable energy, smart metres, better insulated homes and shifting to electric powered vehicles. Let's face it, big energy companies and politicians aren't always the people to influence a renewable energy sceptic, but a trusted neighbour, local headteacher or community pub landlord might well be better placed to explain how renewable energy can really make a difference."