Teesside councils plan renewable energy schemes

Aug 18 2010 by Kelley Price, Evening Gazette

COUNCILS on Teesside are planning a raft of renewable energy schemes following the lifting of a ban on selling electricity to the grid today.

Energy Secretary Chris Huhne announced the end of the 25-year ban last week. The move comes into operation today, ending a long-running struggle by authorities that fought to get it overturned, while creating a valuable revenue stream for council coffers.

Authorities on Teesside will now be able to help the UK’s ambitious 2050 carbon reduction goal to slash emissions by 80%, amid Mr Huhne’s claims they should “assume their rightful place leading a local power revolution”.

Feed-in tariffs introduced in April meant councils could receive a payment for generating their own green electricity, but from today they can also claim an extra payment per kilowatt hour if they sell any unused power to the grid. The move could generate up to £100m a year for local authorities across England and Wales.

“This will have a significant impact,” said Wendi Wheeler, Redcar and Cleveland Council’s energy manager, “particularly where a building such as a school is closed over the summer.

“The PV cells can generate away merrily and we will be able to sell that electricity back to the grid.

“It’s something we will definitely be taking forward, we’re actively pursuing installations for micro-renewables so we can claim the feed-in tariffs and possibly sell back to the grid.

“The Government has to hit its targets, and it needs the help of local authorities.”