Energy Ministers’ statements in response to our
community energy campaign
Below are statements from Energy Ministers at Parliamentry debates that we coordinated in support of legislation we are calling for to enable more community renewable energy.
The Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP, as Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero), speaking during the House of Common’s adjournment debate on 13th September 2023:
“We see value in, and support, community energy, including co-operatives that come together to create community energy projects.”
“The Government recognise that community energy projects have real benefits for the communities in which they are based and for the nation as a whole, and we are keen to ensure that they deliver value for money for consumers nationally and locally alike.”
Andrew Bowie MP, as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, speaking to the Energy Bill Committee on 5th September 2023:
“The Government recognise that community energy projects can have real benefits for the communities in which they are based, and are keen to ensure that they deliver value for money for consumers.”
Andrew Bowie MP, as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, speaking to the Energy Bill Committee on 29th June, 2023:
“We continue to look at what more the Government can do to support community energy projects across the United Kingdom, and I will commit to provide an update on the next steps ahead of Report.”
Andrew Bowie MP, as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, speaking to the Energy Bill Committee on 29th June, 2023:
“We continue to look at what more the Government can do to support community energy projects across the United Kingdom, and I will commit to provide an update on the next steps ahead of Report.”
Andrew Bowie MP, as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, speaking to the Energy Bill Committee on 29th June, 2023:
“We continue to look at what more the Government can do to support community energy projects across the United Kingdom, and I will commit to provide an update on the next steps ahead of Report.”
Andrew Bowie MP, as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, speaking to the Energy Bill Committee on 29th June, 2023:
“We continue to look at what more the Government can do to support community energy projects across the United Kingdom, and I will commit to provide an update on the next steps ahead of Report.”
Andrew Bowie MP, as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, speaking to the Energy Bill Committee on 29th June, 2023:
“We continue to look at what more the Government can do to support community energy projects across the United Kingdom, and I will commit to provide an update on the next steps ahead of Report.”
Andrew Bowie MP, as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, speaking to the Energy Bill Committee on 29th June, 2023:
“I have always been, and remain, committed to supporting community-led energy groups across the country. That is why we are working to implement schemes to support those projects across the entire UK. We will continue to do so, and I will be their biggest champion.”
Andrew Bowie MP, as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, speaking to the Energy Bill Committee on 22nd June, 2023:
“Community energy projects can have real benefits for the communities in which they are based.”
Andrew Bowie MP, as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, speaking at the Energy Bill’s Second Reading in the House of Commons, 9th May 2023:
“Many Members raised community energy schemes, which I strongly agree have a role to play in tackling climate change.”
Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, then Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, speaking at the ‘Electricity Generation: Local Suppliers’ Adjournment Debate, 14th October 2020:
“The hon. Member [for Ceredigion] has spoken eloquently about the need for local communities to be able to supply electricity, and I think there are strong arguments in its favour. … I know that the hon. Member for Ceredigion supports a campaign for electricity generators to sell directly to local consumers, for all the benefits he suggested in terms of local employment. I think he or one of the many intervenors used the phrase ‘local buy-in’, and those arguments are fully appreciated.”
Amanda Solloway MP, then BEIS Parliamentary Under-Secretary, speaking at the ‘Enabling Community Energy’ Backbench Business Debate, 21st July 2021:
“I reassure the House that this Government absolutely recognise the valuable role that community and local renewable energy projects can and do play in supporting the UK’s national net zero targets.”
Rt Hon Greg Hands MP, then Minister of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, speaking at the ‘Community Energy Schemes’ Westminster Hall Debate, 30th November 2021:
“I will start by reassuring the House that the Government recognise the role community and locally owned renewable energy schemes can and do play in supporting the UK’s national net zero targets.”
Rt Hon Greg Hands MP, then Minister for Energy, Clean Growth and Climate Change, speaking at the ‘Energy Security Strategy’ Westminster Hall Debate, 5th July 2022:
“My hon. Friend has been a consistent and dedicated promoter of the Local Electricity Bill. He is right that there is good consensus on this. The Government support local electricity generation.”
Lord Callanan, as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, speaking at the Energy Bill’s Grand Committee in the House of Lords, 19th December 2022:
“I will answer that question again: the Government are supportive of community energy schemes. We want to see more of them, but we think that is best delivered through the market framework.”
Lord Callanan, as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, speaking at the Energy Bill debate in the House of Lords, 12th September 2023:
“I know that the House is keen on supporting community energy, and we are the same.”