On 8th April 2024 DESNZ launched a Call For Evidence on the Barriers to Community Energy under Sunak’s government. The deadline was 30th June at 11:59pm but although the general election had been called the Labour Party said that should they win they would still examine the results so the call for evidence continued.
You can access the government website on the Call for Evidence here
“Government recognises that community groups play a role in our efforts to tackle climate change and following the passage of the Energy Act 2023 through Parliament, we are delivering on our commitment to consult on the barriers to community energy projects by launching this Call for Evidence. We have co-designed this consultation with the sector through the Community Energy Contact Group. By utilising the evidence and information from this consultation, Government will be better placed to understand the issues facing the sector.”
Many community energy groups along with other stakeholders submitted responses. This includes Community Energy England (CEE), Energy UK, London Councils as well as individual local authorities. CEL supported groups by hosting a workshop for our members as did CEE and London Councils. You can access CEE’s response here.
Community Energy London also submitted a response of course.
In the next month or so we will also be publishing a shorter more accessible version.
In the meantime you can access our full response here.