Lobbying for Change Paul Monaghan, Sustainability Adviser, Co-operative 1

Growth of community energy share offers Investments in community energy schemes now account for 70% of all investment in community shares market (and 32% of offers; 52% of members)… Average of £600,000.

Priorities in run up to GE2015… Reform Financial Conduct Authority’s regulatory approach Consistent treatment for previously registered societies Criteria for registration of community energy co- operatives Registration guidelines to incorporate realistic financing criteria Reform tax reliefs Clarified transition arrangements from EIS to SITR A longer and more measured transition process SITR available to certain qualifying Co-operative Societies Reform the Energy Market A community right to the self-supply of electricity Community renewable 'heat'

But following GE2015… (June) “Ending new subsidies for onshore wind” and bring forward closure of RO to April 2016 (June) “wind turbines should only get the go-ahead if they have been clearly backed by local people in a Local or Neighbourhood Plan.” (July) Emergency budget says CCL exemption to be removed from renewables, worth £5.5 Mwh (July) Remove FiT pre-registration / pre- accreditation (August) FiT Review proposes drastic reduction in rates From Jan 2016 and caps, leading to phased closure in (March 2015) Although, in E&W, solar permitted development (i.e., without planning permission) can now be up to 1MW, up from 50kw, on buildings

Although door still ajar… (22 nd June 2015) Amber Rudd in speech on end of onshore wind subsidy: “I do not wish to stand in the way of local communities coming together to generate low carbon electricity in a manner that is acceptable to them, including through small scale wind capacity” (August FiTs Review) says… “We recognise the importance of community energy groups in empowering people and giving them a direct stake in the transition to a low carbon economy and assisting in behavioural changes important to reducing carbon emissions. We are committed to ensuring that communities will continue to gain access to income streams for renewable energy projects consistent with the outcomes of this consultation.” Would consider: “Restricting small-scale renewables support to particular groups, such as householders and community groups, or particular technologies, such as solar PV, which appears closest to achieving subsidy-free existence with a final push of public support.

Didn’t here no bell Early closure of RO CES/CEW/CEE: extended grace period until March 2018 and less onerous qualifying conditions Removal of FiT pre-accreditation FoE: retain CEC & 12 others: retain for community energy CES: …and create separate budget FiT Review STA & 100 others: pre-emptive letter asking a meaningful FiT be kept Lots and lots of marshalling of forces

Public very much on side of renewables Overwhelming support amongst public (including Tory supporters) for renewables and particularly community energy. August 2015 polling found… More than half (53%) support a turbine within 2 miles of home – nearly three times as many as the 19% who would oppose it. Conservative supporters also largely supportive of wind turbines in own backyard (43% in favour to 26% against). Support for solar farms even more overwhelming: with 65% of public supporting a project within 2 miles, and just 10% against. Commissioned by Co-opeartive Energy, undertaken ICM 21st- 23rd August ,009 UK adults.

Public even more supportive of community energy Public support for renewable energy projects that are owned by and benefit local people is stronger still. More than two-thirds (67%) of respondents said they would support local community- owned renewable energy projects, including wind turbines. With just 7% against. Conservative supporters very much in line (62% in favour and just 11% against). Opposition amongst those aged over 65 all but dissipates: falling from 33% to 15%. Commissioned by Co-opeartive Energy, undertaken ICM 21st- 23rd August ,009 UK adults.