Small Scale Power Gets Large Scale Boost
Sun., April 02, 2006. 09:37.
Formidable alliance backs Greens' bid for micropower law
A formidable alliance of industry bodies, government advisers, NGOs, and five political parties including LibDems and SNP are all backing the Greens' bid to make it easier for businesses and homes to install small-scale renewable power devices. (1)
The legislation, which could see new buildings install solar panels or mini wind turbines, is aimed at combating fuel poverty and reducing climate change emissions. The bill will set a national target for micropower energy and introduce incentives for micropower use such as council tax rebates. It has now been formally lodged in the Parliament by Greens' co-convener Shiona Baird MSP.
Support for the general principles of the bill has been pledged by SNP, Lib Dems, SSP and Independent MSPs as well as key players such as Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Scottish Renewables Forum. (2) It follows a rise in the percentage of households living in fuel poverty and ongoing uncertainty over the key micro renewables funding source, the Scottish Community and Householders Renewables Initiative (SCHRI) which gives capital grants to householders to help install micro-renewable devices. A decision on the future of the fund is expected from ministers imminently. (see note 3 for example of SCHRI-funded project that will help reduce fuel bills) England, Wales and Northern Ireland have committed over £100 million to micropower, whereas the Executive gives SCHRI a paltry £2.2 million each year.
Shiona Baird MSP said, "It's clear that there is significant backing for this legislation from across society - political parties, industry bodies, government advisers and NGOs. This bill will help protect Scotland from being battered by an increasingly stormy global energy market where prices fluctuate and supply is insecure.
"The potential benefits cannot be underestimated. Far too many Scottish households are living in or on the verge of fuel poverty. Scotland must boost clean, green, local generation of energy to help stabilise prices and ensure no-one struggles to heat their home. Businesses too can make substantial savings by generating their own power and even selling energy to the Grid.
"A similar Labour bill at Westminster has attracted cross-party support. Many parties are supportive of these proposals and I think it would be a great achievement for the parliament if we grabbed this opportunity to take action on small scale renewable energy sooner, not later."
The bill will now be drafted in detail then scrutinised by parliament committees.
Notes
1. Ms Baird has lodged a proposal for “a bill to require the Scottish Executive to introduce financial and administrative measures to support the development of small–scale renewable energy generation by households and businesses.”
Support has been pledged from:
1. Chris Ballance
2. Mark Ruskell
3. Eleanor Scott
4. Mark Ballard
5. Robin Harper
6. Patrick Harvie
7. Stewart Stevenson (SNP)
8. Linda Fabiani (SNP)
9. Adam Ingram (SNP)
10. Andrew Arbuckle (Lib Dem)
11. Margo MacDonald (Ind)
12. Jean Turner (Ind)
13. Rosemary Byrne (SSP)
14. Rob Gibson (SNP)
15. Sandra White (SNP)
16. Jamie Stone (Lib Dem)
17. Brian Adam (SNP)
18. Frances Curran (SSP)
2. The consultation exercise was launched on December the 12th 2005 and ran for 12 weeks until the 6th of March 2006. During that time, 53 responses were received; 20 from organisations and 33 from individuals.
3. Fuel poverty has risen to 14.5%, see http://www.scottishexecutive.gov.uk/News/Releases/2006/03/31094021. Fuel prices continue to rise - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4864304.stm.
The SCHRI has run out of funds leaving new applications from householders stalled until decisions on the future of scheme are made. Challenged by Baird in parliament last month, McConnell said that ministers are looking at the budget for the scheme, but refused to commit further funds. See Ministers must prioritise micro-renewables and energy efficiency.
Abertay solar air heating project (website)
SCHRI-funded housing project aimed at delivering healthy homes to low income households in Fintry North, Dundee. Partnership between Abertay Housing Association and Nuaire.
- 34 housing units (three designed for those with special needs) in social rented sector
- designed to give continuous air-heating, air-cooling and ventilation
- whole house ventilation
- estimated to save tenants 33% on their annual heating bills (thats up to £100 pa saved). 70% of tenants are on housing benefit - savings will help prevent fuel poverty
- buildings kept free of damp and condensation
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.