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11/10/10 :Council should be in the renewable energy business, says Labour:
Labour members of the Environment Scrutiny Committee are calling on Reading Borough Council to take advantage of the new feed-in tariffs for renewable energy. Cllr. Rachel Eden will be proposing a motion to the meeting on 19 October noting the financial and environmental benefits of feed-in tariffs and urging an investigation into renewable energy schemes in Council buildings, including schools.
Under feed-in tariffs, initiated by Labour’s Hillary Benn as Secretary of State for DEFRA, anyone can install a qualifying renewable energy source and - as well as using the energy themselves - receive a guaranteed payment for every unit they produce regardless of whether it’s exported or used on the premises.
Rachel Eden says “Going for this scheme is win-win for the council, as it will generate a regular income stream and provide energy security as well as reducing the council’s impact on the environment. In the borough’s schools it will also provide a real educational benefit as students learn about the engineering involved, the weather and the environment.”
If residents are interested in the scheme for themselves, information can be found on www.energysavingtrust.org.uk. Local group Reading Energy Pioneers are also organising a bulk buying exercise for households to bring the costs down further. They can be contacted by emailing gabriel.berry@tvenergy.org or on 0118 937 3403
The full text of the motion reads:
"This council notes the benefits of the new feed-in tariff available for renewable energy and the environmental benefit that photovoltaic cells and other renewable energy sources provide. This council is committed to the 10:10 project and to financial stability. We also note the educational value that renewable energy sources have when installed in schools.
This council therefore resolves to explore all available options for installation of renewable energy on council buildings including the borough's schools in order to reap the environmental and financial benefits."
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