On Tuesday, 29th October, the Great British Energy Bill will move to its Report Stage in the House of Commons, providing MPs a final opportunity to propose amendments before the Third Reading.
Among the key issues to be discussed is whether community energy should be added as a formal objective in the Bill.
Advocates argue that integrating community energy into the Bill would enhance the UK’s energy resilience by empowering local projects and reducing reliance on the central grid.
Power for People campaign group said: “We are calling for ‘community energy’ to be included amongst the objectives of the Great British Energy company.
“At the Committee stage, we organised for an amendment to be introduced to the Bill to this effect. It was backed by a cross-party group of 70 MPs, including 12 Labour MPs – a remarkable number given amendments usually attract just a few.
“When it came to the vote on 10th October, the amendment did not pass. Despite the strong support, it got voted down, with all 11 Labour MPs on the Committee, including the Minister, Michael Shanks MP, voting against it.”
Nick Rosen, an off grid energy pioneer, argues that including community energy in the Bill would ensure future governments remain committed to localised, independent power sources, which could enhance energy security and cut household costs.
Mr Rosen said: “Investment in community energy offers critical benefits – for new homes.
“A 5MW microgrid could jumpstart the construction of 2,000 homes currently on hold due to grid connectivity issues.
“This shift could be transformative, driving sustainable jobs at a local level without straining the existing grid, and without costing hard-reposed British consumers a penny.”
