The addition to the Bill may lead a twentyfold growth in renewable energy generation from such schemes within a decade. The addition of the clauses was supported by 320 MPs from all parties, including 127 Conservatives. Hundreds of councils, the National Trust, the Church of England and over 80 other national organisations also support the proposals.
The reform would improve energy market competition, create tens of thousands of skilled jobs and help reduce customers’ energy bills, whilst accelerating the construction of new clean energy infrastructure. Money from energy bills would be kept local and would improve local economies across the country, while increasing local provisions for support of vulnerable customers.
Currently, outdated market regulations are blocking the potential for growth in smaller-scale energy schemes. At a debate on the Government’s Energy Bill held on Wednesday night (10th May), many MPs from all parties stood up and called on the Government to stop dragging its feet.
“It is an absurdity that the community energy sector has seen minimal growth in recent years because of energy market and licensing rules” said Greg Smith, Conservative MP for Buckingham. “These [clauses] seem to be straightforward, pro-competition, pro-consumer reforms. If the Minister is minded not to support them, what will he propose to open up the huge community energy sector opportunity?”
Selaine Saxby, Conservative MP for North Devon, said he is still bewildered that, as someone who lives somewhere sunny, windy and with a huge tide, why why this has not progressed sooner.
The community energy enabling clauses were the most raised and supported component of the Energy Bill at its second reading in the House of Commons yesterday (9th May).
Power for People are the group organising the campaign for the change, according to their director Steve Shaw.
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