Big potential for community energy schemes

‘The Community Renewables Economy: Starting up, scaling up and spinning out’ argues that if community owned energy is to become more common, councils must remove the significant barriers faced by communities during the planning process.

It is believed that communities could generate £30m a year in tax revenue for local councils, as well as drive down high energy bills by increasing competition in the energy market.

But ResPublica warns that councils must step up to the challenge, understand their new role and help, rather than hinder progress. For example, Government could aid in the issues of funding, funancial know-how and legal advice.

Green Alliance recently issued a similar report calling on councils to better facilitate communities in starting up renewable energy schemes. 

To see the key report’s key recommendations, visit the ResPublica webpage.