Decision details

The Cabinet will be asked to recommend to full Council, the approval of business cases for investing in a programme of renewable energy schemes.  The business cases explore opportunities for generating income whilst aiming to reduce local energy costs and increase community energy generation.

RESOLVED:

That:

(1)     the development of a West Suffolk Community Energy Plan, be supported;

(2)     appraisal of other energy-related options set out in the report with a view to receiving further investment proposals, be supported;

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

That:

(3)     The following be allocated:

(a)     £15,000 to continue the West Suffolk Greener Business Grant in support of energy efficiency improvements, as outlined in paragraphs 1.1.4 and 1.1.5 of Report No: CAB/SE/14/009;

(b)     £85,500 to improve business resource efficiency and install the next phase of solar schemes on Council property

(Option 1), as outlined in Appendix A to Report No: CAB/SE/14/009;

(c)     as part of the 2015/2016 budget setting process, £1.62 million over three years to develop rent-a-roof solar schemes in partnership with local businesses

(Option 3), as outlined in Appendix A to Report No: CAB/SE/14/009; and

(d)     as part of the 2015/2016 budget setting process, £50,000 to cover the identification, detailed feasibility and associated community engagement activities in support of potential sites for larger scale solar and renewable energy generation technologies (Option 5) where supported and/or led by communities in the Borough, as outlined in paragraph 1.3.5 to Report No: CAB/SE/14/009.