Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill

 

Background

The Wise Group has operated the Strathclyde and Central Energy Efficiency Advice Centre since its inception in 1994. We deliver a comprehensive energy efficiency advice service to residents across 12 Local Authorities.

 

We have a proven track record as managing agents for a variety of projects undertaken on behalf of a wide range of partners including: the Energy Savings Trust, local authorities, fuel utilities and housing associations.

 

The Strathclyde and Central EEAC has successfully delivered a highly efficient and effective service to thousands of Scottish households, which has included:

 

• The provision of free and impartial practical energy information to all householders within 12 local authority areas
• The management of loan and grant schemes for the domestic and business sectors
• The role of stepping stone to practical action, helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Purposes and reports

The principle purpose of the Bill is to enhance the United Kingdom’s contribution to combating climate change.  This correlates with the government’s vision of a low carbon economy as set out in the Energy White Paper[1].  Strathclyde and Central Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (Strathclyde and Central EEAC) is part of a wider network that has been operating for 12 years and is actively involved in delivering the sustainable energy (in particular energy efficiency) and affordable warmth message to the domestic, commercial and public sectors.  For this reason, Strathclyde and Central EEAC regards this Bill as a positive step forward.

 

An annual report on greenhouse gas emissions would be highly beneficial.  If detailed correctly, this would help to demonstrate the significant energy savings made in the domestic sector as a result of the services provided by organisations such as Strathclyde and Central EEAC, which ensure the local delivery of national objectives.

 

The Chancellor of the Exchequer should consult with the EEAC network and Energy Saving Trust when preparing a fiscal and economic report on measures to assist with microgeneration and energy efficiency. 

 

Microgeneration

National and local targets are welcomed, as they will help to bring about the necessary infrastructure to allow more widespread microgeneration. 

 

Annual reports on the progress of the microgeneration strategy will help to disseminate the findings and promote best practice. 

 

One of the barriers to the sale of electricity produced by domestic microgeneration was the fact that electricity suppliers would only buy electricity back at a fraction of the price they were selling it to the domestic customers.  This Bill will help overcome this barrier.

 

Community Energy

The Secretary of State should build upon the good work delivered through the Community Energy Programme, which is managed jointly by the Energy Saving Trust and Carbon Trust.  Strathclyde and Central EEAC actively promotes the community energy programme to Local Authorities and other Registered Social Landlords. 

 

Renewable Heat

A ‘renewable heat obligation’ would help to save CO2 and contribute to the range of other mechanisms the United Kingdom is employing to limit the effects of climate change. 

 

Again, local delivery of the sustainable energy message (via organisations similar to Strathclyde and Central EEAC) is a crucial part of this process.

 

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