The Commons Energy Security and Net Zero Committee has started a Parliamentary inquiry to explore how to unlock the full potential of community energy in achieving net zero targets.
Community energy involves local groups coming together to generate renewable energy or reduce energy use.
Despite widespread public support and the affordability of renewable energy, the sector has seen limited growth.
The inquiry will focus on addressing financial and regulatory barriers that prevent community energy projects from reaching scale.
Key topics include how the Local Power Plan, which forms part of the Great British Energy strategy, can assist community energy projects and what reforms to the planning system, grid connections and the energy market could facilitate their growth.
The committee is seeking evidence from individuals and organisations on several topics, such as improving support for community energy projects, reforming energy market regulations, ensuring fair remuneration for locally generated energy and streamlining the process for securing grid connections.
The inquiry will also consider the role of local planning and energy plans in fostering support for community energy initiatives.
