Councils-to-sell-energy plans floated

Author: Local Government Chronicle - Mar 3, 2010

Posted in: Environmental and Energy Sustainability / The model environmentally sustainable council / Local Government News

Councils could be allowed to sell energy generated by renewable sources under proposals designed to boost local government’s green credentials.

Ministers want to encourage local authorities to play "a full part in the development of renewable heat and electricity" and have kicked off a consultation which closes in June.

Under the existing regulatory regime, councils are not allowed to sell the electricity but a commitment was made in Heat & Energy Savings Strategy consultation published in February 2009 to review this.

Any changes will require secondary legislation.

A statement said: "This consultation asks interested stakeholders to consider the merits of a change to this situation by allowing local authorities from across Great Britain to sell electricity generated by renewable sources.

"It also looks at some of the issues that local authorities will need to consider if they want to take advantage of any change in the provision."

The consultation, being jointly conducted by Department of Energy & Climate Change and the Welsh Assembly Government, is available here.

Go to the original article here

• "Localis is fast gaining a reputation for pre-empting the localist agenda, producing thought provoking research and practical policy ideas"Anthony Seldon, author and political commentator
• "Localis’ commitment to decentralisation crosses party boundaries, and their research illuminates policy problems with new practical thinking"Prof George Jones, LSE
• "Localis offers a great blend of a passion for innovation, grounded practical ideas and unswerving belief in the possibilities of local governance"Derek Myers, Chief Executive, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

more