Policy & advocacy news
Committee calls on Government to put communities at the heart of the energy transition
Community Energy England welcomes ESNZ Committee recommendations that echo the Up the Energy campaign
The ESNZ Committee’s report on community energy which was published today, calls on the Government to act urgently to put communities at the heart of the clean energy transition.
It recommends:
- Communities to have the legal right to buy a stake in renewable energy projects
- Local generators should receive a guaranteed, fair price for the electricity they produce
- Rules blocking community groups from selling power directly to their neighbours should be removed
- Grid connections for community projects should be prioritised
- Planning rules should recognise community ownership as something worth protecting.
Matthew Vickers, CEO of Community Energy England (CEE), said:
“Community energy gives people throughout the country the opportunity to have a stake in Britain’s energy future.
“The Committee heard the evidence and has sent a clear message around the need for action from Government.
“We’re pleased to see so much of what we are calling for in our Up the Energy campaign reflected in the Committee’s recommendations.
“Market reforms and the forthcoming Energy Independence Bill can unlock cheaper, cleaner and more secure community energy.“