The Government is keen to see local authorities play a full part in the development of renewable heat and electricity. As part of their role in addressing the challenges of climate change and meeting their commitments to sustainability, some local authorities are now starting to consider developing renewable generation projects.
Allowing local authorities to sell electricity generated by them from renewable sources would encourage the development of local renewable electricity projects by those local authorities that are well-placed to undertake such projects either on their own or in partnerships.
Under the existing regulatory regime, they are not allowed to sell the electricity generated from, for example, a local authority owned wind farm. Consequently a commitment was made in Heat and Energy Savings Strategy consultation document published on 12 February 2009 to consult on whether and how to change the restriction.
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. Any changes will be made through secondary legislation – by DECC in respect of England and Scotland and by the Welsh Ministers in respect of Wales.
This consultation was jointly conducted by DECC and the Welsh Assembly Government.
Consultation documents