It has been a busy few weeks for UK energy policy. Following the launch of Great British Energy (GBE) earlier this year, the government has this week announced further details on the deployment of new “Local Power Taskforces” across the country.
What does this mean for you? While GBE is a state-owned company designed to invest in clean power, the “Local Power Plan” is the part that affects communities directly. The aim is to partner with local authorities to build small-scale renewable projects—think solar panels on council roofs, small wind turbines on community land, and hydro projects in local rivers.
The goal is simple: Energy Security. By generating more power locally, the UK becomes less reliant on volatile international gas markets. In the long term, this should decouple the price of electricity from the price of gas, bringing bills down for everyone.
Can I get my own “Green Energy”? You don’t have to wait for a government taskforce to build a wind farm near you to benefit from green energy. Solar panels are one of the most effective ways to shield yourself from rising electricity prices right now. By generating your own power, you buy less from the grid, and with smart export tariffs, you can even get paid for the excess energy you send back.
The best news? Under the current ECO4 scheme, solar panels are not just for those with savings in the bank. If you are a homeowner receiving certain benefits, or if you have a low household income and live in an inefficient home (EPC band D or below), you could get solar panels installed for free.
