We are right in the middle of a Triple Energy Crisis: Price, Security and
Carbon Emissions.
Last October energy prices multiplied the numbers of families
choosing between food and bills. Millions, it’s widely believed, will be
pushed into Fuel Poverty this April, despite Sunak’s support, by an
energy bill rise of nearly £700.
Big energy companies enjoy record profits. But low-income earners in
houses valued above tax bands A-D, won’t even qualify for Sunak’s
£200 loan. Those who qualify will make £40 yearly repayments that
could increase future, even higher bills.
IPPR thinktank estimates show 44% of the highest British income
households will effectively enjoy a tax cut. Yet low income households
won’t see it, just when spending cuts have enforced 32 council crisis
centre closures.
Energy security is poor. Energy imports leave us vulnerable.
Transmitting electricity long distances makes end of the line
communities from The Isle of Wight to Northern Scotland experience
supply cuts. Extreme weather events damage transmission
equipment, causing further disruption. Carbon Emissions rise instead
of fall, meaning even greater extreme weather event disruption.
Local Affordable and Renewable Community Energy could help keep
prices and carbon emissions down. Schemes are increasing, across
England. They deliver on price, security and decarbonisation. Solar
and wind still have substantial undeveloped potential whilst wave,
geothermal and biomass renewables can offset their weather
dependence.
Local energy enterprises are accountable to communities and build up
local wealth, jobs and future prospects.
But they’re held back by their inability to shoulder National Grid Costs
and operational responsibilities. So they cannot sell surplus
electricity to the National Grid at proper rates; become Energy
Suppliers enabled to prosper, invest and expand.
The Local Electricity Bill, 2nd reading in the House of Commons on
February 25th proposes Grid costs and responsibilities
proportionate to enterprise size so that community enterprises
like the many in the West could thrive.
Already enjoying cross-Party support it still needs 100 more MP votes.
Will your MP vote for it? Why not ask!
UK to Zero 