Citizens Advice wants more transparency from network price controls

The lack of discussion from the UK Government on support for renewable energy is likely to cause disruption to community energy projects. The Scottish and Welsh Governments have called for urgent clarity in a written letter to the UK Government.

The letter highlighted the following concerns:

1. Reiterated the Government’s commitment to community renewables.

2. Raised concerns on the lack of involvement from the devolved governments.

3. Community projects are likely to be hit harder by the impact of the UK Government’s decision.

4. Local supply chains are likely to suffer.

Fergus Ewing Energy Minister said:

“Local ownership gives communities more control over their own energy and will help us tackle challenges like grid constraints and fuel poverty – while at the same time sparking economic revival.” “There are many communities who have invested significant amounts of money in renewables schemes and have now found the goal posts have been moved, putting crucial investment and jobs at risk.??"On the Isle of Lewis we have the largest community-owned wind farm in the UK at 9MW. This will generate around £1 million each year for the local community who will decide how to spend that money. However, potentially the future of other projects like this could be under threat as a result of the recent announcements by the UK Government, and it will be tragic if these opportunities are lost to future communities.” “We will continue to discuss with the UK Government ways that community schemes with shared ownership can be encouraged under all support schemes and in the meantime, the Scottish Government will continue to support community energy schemes using the powers available to us.” The Welsh Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant added:

“Community energy is a key priority for both our governments and we feel very strongly that those communities who have invested heavily, in time, money and commitment, in a cleaner energy future, are deserving of this consideration.” “We both see that the future direction for energy is one of local generation and supply, based on renewable sources, and smart storage and local grid management, with significant local benefit. The current proposals will significantly damage the prospects for this future if the local ownership and benefits of projects are not considered within the support regime.” “Schemes like the Abergwyngregyn hydro scheme bring significant economic, social and environmental benefits to communities and the DECC proposals will make it much harder for communities to benefit from local renewable energy opportunities in the future.”