Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Electricity Generation: Local Suppliers

14 October 2020 · 4 other contributors

Opened by Ben Lake PC Ceredigion Preseli

ClimateEnergy

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Ben Lake raised concerns about electricity generation: local suppliers in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The MP stressed the need for rapid transition to renewable energy to address climate change and achieve net-zero emissions.
  • Current regulations may hinder smaller community-owned renewable energy projects due to high licensing costs.
  • The MP supported a Bill proposing a right to local supply for electricity generators, aiming to boost community resilience and economic development.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Ben Lake PC Ceredigion Preseli

The MP emphasised the urgent need for a rapid transition to renewable energy sources to address climate change and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. He highlighted that current regulations may be outdated, creating barriers for smaller community-owned projects. The potential capacity of local community-owned energy is significant, with a 2014 UK Government report suggesting up to 3,000 MW by 2020. However, existing rules create insurmountable cost barriers for these initiatives due to the licensing system's complexity and high initial costs exceeding £1 million. The MP supported the ten-minute rule Bill proposed by Peter Aldous, which would introduce a right to local supply, enabling electricity generators to become local suppliers through a new form of supplier licence designated for local supply. He called on the Government to consider establishing this right to support economic development and community resilience.

Other contributors (4)
  • Not specified

    Emphasised the importance of batteries and energy storage in balancing local generation and demand.

  • Julian Sturdy Con York Outer

    Suggested that community-owned projects can also involve towns and municipalities, not just parish councils.

  • Chris Skidmore Con Kingswood

    Highlighted the importance of bringing together various aspects of regulation and different Departments to facilitate a rapid transition.

  • Robert Smith Lib Dem Phobsslough

    Noted the potential for local generation to meet local demand, suggesting that a centralised system might not be suitable for millions of smaller generators.

Government Response

Not provided

Minister's response is not available in the given transcript.

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