Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Local Power Plan

10 February 2026 · 28 other contributors

Opened by Ed Miliband Lab Doncaster North

ClimateEnergy

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Ed Miliband raised concerns about local power plan in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Britain's drive for clean energy aims to benefit the many rather than the wealthy and powerful.
  • Recent achievements include the warm homes plan and securing the largest offshore wind auction in European history.
  • The AR7 auction results for onshore wind and solar were published, showing 1.3 GW of power at 72 per megawatt-hour.

How the debate unfolded

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

Government Statement

Ed Miliband

Britain's drive for clean energy is focused on delivering a different kind of economy that benefits the many rather than just the wealthy and powerful. The minister highlighted recent achievements such as the warm homes plan, securing the largest offshore wind auction in European history, and agreeing to a fair work charter with business and trade unions. Today, the AR7 auction results for onshore wind and solar were published: 1.3 GW of power at £72 per megawatt-hour from onshore wind and nearly 5 GW at £65 per megawatt-hour from solar, providing power equivalent to over 3 million homes. The minister rejected calls to cancel the auction in favour of new gas stations due to higher costs. He emphasised community ownership as a transformative tool for wealth building and resilience, noting that while Denmark and Germany have significant proportions of wind and solar capacity owned by citizens, Britain currently has less than 1% of renewables under community ownership. The minister announced up to £1 billion in funding through the Great British Energy scheme to invest in community energy projects, targeting underserved areas for the biggest impact. He also committed to establishing a one-stop shop to provide support and advice to local communities planning their own renewable projects. Additionally, reforms will be made to market codes and supply licences to facilitate easier sale of power generated by communities, with consultations planned on how to use existing powers in the Infrastructure Act 2015 for shared ownership offers. The statement was concluded with an invitation to community groups to come forward with proposals, aiming at a stake for British people in the energy system, generating returns and wealth for local communities.

Other contributors (28)
  • Tom Hunt Lab Makerfield

    Question

    The Member questions how much support will be given to community energy projects to ensure they are successful and asks about the potential for wind turbines with a capacity of under 50 megawatts.

    Minister reply

    Responding to the MP's concerns, Ed Miliband emphasised that through Great British Energy, they will offer grants, loans, and project finance to support community energy projects at various stages. Additionally, he highlighted the potential for wind turbines with capacities below 50 megawatts, noting that while these do not fall under this particular programme, other initiatives exist to support such small-scale renewable developments.

  • Andrew Turner Con Eastbourne

    Question

    The Member raises concerns about the long-term costs and asks if there are any guarantees for bill payers in terms of price stability.

    Minister reply

    Ed Miliband addressed the concern by pointing out that while the AR7 auction results will not immediately reduce bills, they represent significant progress towards a more affordable energy system. He emphasised the importance of long-term investments to build resilience and drive down costs over time, highlighting that large-scale renewable projects typically offer better price stability due to lower operating costs compared to gas plants.

  • Ian Lucas Lab Wrexham

    Question

    The Member asks for clarification on the exact amount of money allocated through Great British Energy and how it will be distributed among different types of community energy projects.

    Minister reply

    Ed Miliband provided clarity by stating that up to £1 billion has been set aside within the Great British Energy scheme. This funding is intended to support a range of community energy projects, including grants for early-stage development, loans for construction and operation, as well as funding for communities to acquire stakes in larger renewable schemes.

  • Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire

    Question

    The MP criticised the announcement as a distraction from high energy bills, arguing that it does not address wholesale prices or structural costs. He questioned the effectiveness of the £1 billion committed through Great British Energy and why the full impact assessment for AR7 has not been released.

    Minister reply

    The Secretary of State responded by highlighting changes in solar auction pricing since the Conservatives came to power, stating that the cheapest clean form of power is being rejected. He criticised the opposition's stance on community energy projects and promised support through the funding initiative.

  • Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central

    Question

    The MP asked how the Secretary of State intends to ensure people in rural areas understand the benefits of community energy and solar. He questioned myths surrounding land use for solar farms.

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledged that busting these myths is important and stated that the cheapest clean form of power should not be rejected, as per the opposition's stance. He emphasised the importance of local people having a stake in the energy system through community ownership.

  • Pippa Heylings Lib Dem South Cambridgeshire

    Question

    Welcomes the Government's recognition of community energy and its role in a clean energy future but questions the scale of investment from £3.3 billion pledge to £1 billion, and presses for regulatory changes.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges Lib Dem advocacy, highlights that the £1 billion is significant compared to previous government's £60 million investment. Will work on regulatory changes and unblock barriers.

  • Mike Reader Lab Northampton South

    Question

    Asks if his schools, colleges, hospitals, sports clubs including Cobblers will benefit from the plan.

    Minister reply

    Congratulates Northampton's organisations and confirms they will benefit from the plan.

  • Roger Gale Con Herne Bay and Sandwich

    Question

    Questions National Grid's project in an area of scientific interest, urging the Secretary to champion local people.

    Minister reply

    Stresses that climate crisis is a greater threat to nature than infrastructure projects and urges building necessary transmission infrastructure.

  • Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire

    Question

    Asks about the benefits of community energy for constituencies like hers, including how local communities can get involved.

    Minister reply

    Explains that communities can have lower bills, generate income by selling power back to grid, and gain a sense of stake in the system.

  • Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath

    Question

    Asks for inclusion of households benefiting from energy generated within community in the definition of community energy.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges her question and confirms that statutory definition is being addressed.

  • Joe Morris Lab Hexham

    Question

    Invites the Secretary to visit Humshaugh community solar farm, setting an example for community energy in practice.

    Minister reply

    Accepts invitation and sees the plan as a way to reproduce such examples across the country.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    Asks about reputational risk of ignoring criminal exploitation, cost comparison for solar panels from China versus other sources, and safeguards.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the issue, highlights GB Energy's commitment to leadership in this area with an appointed adviser.

  • Olivia Blake Lab Sheffield Hallam

    Question

    Highlights previous government’s measly £60 million investment and questions how Great British Energy will remove barriers for community ownership.

    Minister reply

    Interested in the power to give local groups a share of large-scale projects, aiming to break down such barriers.

  • Julian Smith Con Skipton and Ripon

    Question

    Asks about support for small businesses struggling with energy costs in rural areas.

    Minister reply

    Highlights the plan’s focus on community groups but considers ways to lower small business costs through investments.

  • Clive Efford Lab Eltham and Chislehurst

    Question

    The MP expressed excitement about the potential for renewable energy projects in his constituency, including solar panels on the Samuel Montagu youth club’s roof and ground source heating. He enquired whether these ideas align with the new fund.

    Minister reply

    The minister agreed that such innovative ideas are ideal candidates for the fund and encouraged a broader scope of imagination for future community energy projects.

  • Graham Leadbitter SNP Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey

    Question

    The MP inquired if community heat projects are included under the umbrella of community energy projects.

    Minister reply

    Yes, community energy includes various types of innovative projects including combined turbine with community heat networks.

  • Terry Jermy Lab South West Norfolk

    Question

    The MP welcomed the principle that communities benefitting from hosting energy projects should see financial gains. He asked if the Government will track these benefits.

    Minister reply

    The minister agreed to track impacts to ensure evidence of the scheme’s success, highlighting an example in Swaffham hospital.

  • Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon

    Question

    The MP questioned the Secretary's stance on local community benefits for a proposed solar farm project. Residents are opposed to it.

    Minister reply

    While not discussing specific planning decisions, the minister emphasised the importance of community benefits and the need for infrastructure in reducing bills and enhancing energy security.

  • Catherine Fookes Lab Monmouthshire

    Question

    The MP praised the Secretary's support for local energy projects and enquired about investment plans in Wales.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledging Welsh Government’s initiatives, the minister affirmed commitment to working closely with them on this project.

  • Tom Morrison Lib Dem Cheadle

    Question

    The MP highlighted regional inequalities in investment per job and asked how these disparities will be addressed.

    Minister reply

    Agreeing with the point, the minister assured GB Energy’s awareness of balancing investments across regions.

  • Adam Thompson Lab Erewash

    Question

    The MP inquired about supporting developments such as New Stanton Park through the local power plan and Mayor Claire Ward's mayoral renewables fund.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledging the plan’s support for job creation and attracting investment, the minister emphasised collaboration with local mayors.

  • Ann Davies PC Caerfyrddin

    Question

    The MP inquired about fair distribution of funding across the UK and suggested a population share allocation for Wales.

    Minister reply

    Promising to work with Welsh publicly owned energy companies, the minister acknowledged the importance of balanced funding.

  • Alice Macdonald Lab Co-op Norwich North

    Question

    The MP sought clarity on how communities will be informed about project opportunities.

    Minister reply

    Encouraging MPs to engage with local community groups, the minister promised resources for MPs to spread awareness.

  • Clive Jones Lib Dem Wokingham

    Question

    The Barkham solar farm in Wokingham is ready to go but the National Grid has delayed hooking it up. What will be done to fix this issue?

    Minister reply

    There has been a reordering of the grid connections queue, and pressure needs to be put on transmission operators to deliver. The Minister encourages writing to the Minister for Energy about the project.

  • John Whitby Lab Derbyshire Dales

    Question

    The £1 billion announced will help community-owned energy projects, but what plans are there for local supply rights allowing these groups to sell energy directly back to households in their communities?

    Minister reply

    Work is being done with Ofgem to improve the offer to local community groups regarding selling power back into the grid.

  • Paul Waugh Lab Co-op Rochdale

    Question

    As the birthplace of the co-operative movement, Rochdale wants to see communities having the power to determine their own bills and future through community ownership. Does the Secretary agree with this sentiment?

    Minister reply

    The principle that local people should be able to come together and own their own energy is important. The plan supports a shift from big companies owning energy towards community ownership.

  • Jonathan Davies Lab Mid Derbyshire

    Question

    Derbyshire has expertise in using water for power, such as hydro projects on the Derwent valley. Will the Secretary of State visit to look at adding more projects?

    Minister reply

    The Minister looks forward to visiting and meeting with local experts working on these issues.

Shadow Comment

Greg Smith

The shadow response criticised Labour's plans as not offering value for money or reducing electricity prices. He noted that while the plan aims to shift power to local communities, it does not address the immediate need of lower energy bills and structural costs. Greg Smith argued that the £1 billion committed through Great British Energy will yield minor reductions in costs while leaving families with higher bills overall. The shadow questioned why the full impact assessment for AR7's potential to reduce bills by the early 2030s has not been published, despite claims of confidence in internal analysis. He highlighted concerns over longer contract terms and increased risk for bill payers, along with relaxed planning requirements for some offshore wind projects. Smith criticised Labour’s approach as doubling down on carbon taxes and adding more expensive renewable energy to an unprepared system, leading to higher costs for households and businesses. The shadow also challenged the establishment of Great British Energy, questioning its necessity and effectiveness in delivering lower bills compared to market-based solutions.

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