Ben Lake has called for community energy schemes to be allowed to sell power directly to local customers.
Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar generate electricity across Wales. Organisations and local volunteers often run community energy schemes, but it is currently impossible for the electricity to be bought directly even when produced locally. Instead, it must be acquired through utility companies connected to the National Grid. Ben Lake MP calls for more rights for such schemes to supply local consumers with electricity that they can buy directly from their local area.
The UK Government claims that its Energy Bill “will deliver a cleaner, more affordable and more secure energy system for the long term” building on the commitments in the April 2022 British Energy Security Strategy to “invest in homegrown energy and maintain the diversity and resilience of the UK’s energy supply”. Plaid Cymru argues that the measure fails to fully realize this. Therefore. Plaid Cymru has proposed an amendment to the bill, tabled together with the SNP to try to give power to these schemes and bring energy production closer to the people it serves.
Plaid Cymru’s amendment would benefit people for several different reasons. Community projects promote the production of green energy, which would mean a reduction in carbon emissions. In addition to this, buying energy from community schemes can reduce bills for families and individuals. Ynni Cymru, a publicly funded company to help develop community energy projects in Wales is being established, thanks to Plaid Cymru’s cooperation agreement with the Welsh Government. There is no doubt that the development of such schemes will also offer economic opportunities to communities throughout Wales, creating jobs and boosting local economies.
Ahead of the Energy Bill debate in the House of Commons, Ben Lake MP said that Plaid Cymru's amendment would "not only help reduce carbon emissions but would also put money back into the pockets of hardworking families. It is a win-win for the environment and the economy.”.
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