In February we were invited to a “meet and greet” with the Shadow Secretary of State for Climate Change and Net Zero, Ed Miliband. The group has built close ties with Olivia Blake (MP for Hallam) who was previously spoken of our work in Parliament. First stop was our partner Lembas, who provide local, fresh produce throughout South Yorkshire, before going on to Sheffield Energy House at Heeley City Farm. 

With the tea and cake (excellent cake) readied, conversation turned to the Local Electricity Bill. The bill has the potential to revolutionise community energy by allowing groups like us to become local suppliers. Discussions were positive (the cake really helped) so let’s stay tuned for broader cross-party support all-round.

To show your support for Local Electricity Bill please send an email to Secretary of State for Business, Energy (currently Grant Shapps shappsg@parliament.uk) using the suggested text below:

“Please can you support the Amendments 237 and 238 to the Government’s Energy Bill for consideration at Committee Stage. The amendments proposed would enable the growth of community energy schemes by providing small-scale renewable energy generators with a guaranteed price for their electricity and allowing them to sell that electricity locally”