Issue - meetings

To receive any Members' questions.

The Chairman invited those who had submitted questions to put them to Executive Members.

Councillor Crystall asked Councillor McAndrew, the Executive Member for Environmental Sustainability:

“According to the final report from the Climate Change Task and Finish Group, received by Council on 5^th March 2019, EHDC should consider looking to procure 100% “green” energy (i.e zero carbon) in terms of corporate electricity supply contracts. How far has the council got with this process? Is he aware that Green Energy UK, one of the UK’s only wholly green energy suppliers which is offering 100% renewable electricity and 100% non-fossil fuel derived gas, is based in Ware, at the heart of our district?”

Councillor McAndrew responded as follows:

“May I thank Cllr Crystall for his question.  In the first instance the council is identifying ways to reduce its base line energy use in its own premises so as to reduce carbon emissions at source.  This is particularly important as an immediate switch to non-fossil fuel-derived gas is likely to be hampered by insufficient supply at present.

“That said, procurement of green energy is an important means of moving to carbon neutrality and so the council’s Property Services Manager continues to reassess the existing procurement contracts for both gas and electricity which run until 2024.  Until that time, we will seek to maximise the ‘green energy’ within the mix of energy bought and also investigate the possibility for an option of an earlier review in 2021.  At contract renewal, we intend to effect a more substantive switch to renewable energy.  To that end, we would be very keen for Green Energy UK to become one of the suppliers included in the energy procurement framework we use and will advise them on applying.”

Councillor Crystall asked a second question, as follows: 

“The final report from the Climate Change Task and Finish Group, received by Council on 5^th March 2019, recommended that the Council should investigate energy investment options that have potential to produce ongoing revenue return for the Council, along with carbon saving opportunities, e.g. electrical battery storage technology, renewables etc. on Council land. It was also recommended that an audit was conducted of Council owned sites which may be suitable for such projects. Apart from existing projects at the theatre, the hydro-scheme in Hertford and the two new leisure centres, has the Council made any progress in investigating investment options in renewables and how far has it progressed with the audit of Council owned sites?”

Councillor McAndrew responded:

“As Councillor Crystall rightly identifies, investment in carbon reduction measures in relation to energy consumption can also include the opportunity to generate income from renewable energy generation or storage. 

“Unfortunately, the council has not been able to identify sites in its ownership for viable solar photovoltaic (PV) generation.  We recognise, however, that there is considerable theoretical potential for solar PV installation on community buildings that are not necessarily in the ownership of the East Herts.  While the national economic mechanism to encourage installation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88