Landmark 'Local Power Plan’ can make a difference in Plymouth

Today’s publication of the Local Power Plan (LPP) is a landmark moment for community energy across the UK. With £1 billion of funding, this the biggest amount of public money ever invested in community energy in British history. 

Growing renewable energy in Britain means we are less likely to run out of energy or see or see huge rises in energy prices when the next global crisis happens. To make this fair, local people must be involved and share the benefits. The plan rightly shows how important community energy groups are.                       

Alistair Macpherson, CEO of Plymouth Energy Community said:

“We welcome the announcement of the Local Power Plan. It recognises the importance of communities working together – giving control to the local groups and working in partnership. At PEC we have 12 years’ experience of community-owned solar making a difference to ordinary Plymothians – the model is tried and tested, now is the time to grow it.”

Our 33 rooftop solar sites on schools and community buildings have saved over £1 million in lower bills for those organisations. This money can now be used for community projects and children’s education, instead of paying for energy.

The money we make from selling power at our Ernesettle Community Solar Farm helps support families in Plymouth who struggle to pay their energy bills. It helps fund PEC’s energy advice service, working in partnership with 120 organisations  city-wide to help those in need. It also supports the work of Four Greens Community Trust.

Mark Rowles, CEO Four Greens Community Trust said:

“We use income from the solar farm for work in the Ernesettle community. That includes food banks, social supermarkets, mental health advice and support and funding community fun days and initiatives. Helping reduce poverty, social isolation, and health inequalities.” 

Now is the time to build on our progress and do more of what works well. The Local Power Plan is the opportunity for Plymouth to increase our energy resilience, lower bills and lead by example.  

Paul Elliot, Renewables Manager at PEC said:

“Our ambition is to double the amount of rooftop solar in the city and build Chelson Meadow solar farm on the old landfill site, turning an otherwise unusable space into 15MW of clean power generation - enough to power around 4,300 homes - in partnership with the Council.

PEC currently operates nearly 2MW of rooftop solar. We are now looking for businesses and community groups to help us add another 2MW of ready-to-build solar projects.”

The Local Power Plan aims to support over 1,000 local and community energy projects across the country. PEC is ready to make sure Plymouth gets its fair share of the benefits.