Surrey Heath Council backs Lib Dem motion on Home Energy

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 20th Apr 2006

Lib Dem MP Andrew Stunnell, key supporter of the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill

In response to a motion by Lib Dem Councillors Bob Smith and Judy Douch, Surrey Heath Council is calling on Surrey Heath's MP, Michael Gove to back a bill that will encourage individual householders to generate electricity for their own use, selling any surplus to the electricity companies.

The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill is intended to promote the uptake of domestic and community "microgeneration" which is defined as the small-scale generation of electricity via solar, wind, fuel cell and other similar technologies. Whilst solar panels have been known for some time, there are an increasing range of options now available such as small wind turbines, and gas boilers that generate electricity as well as heat the house.

Cllr Judy Douch said: "This bill would put a responsibility on local authorities to encourage microgeneration in their areas, and I am pleased that Surrey Heath recognises and welcomes this. Microgeneration - like recycling - is another way that individuals can "do their bit" to address the problems of climate change."

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Cllr Bob Smith said: "Surrey Heath doesn't have a very green image, with below average performance on recycling, and missed targets on home insulation. But I am glad that with this and other Lib Dem motions on environmental matters, we are starting to change attitudes at the Council".

The Council's Chief Executive will now transmit the Council's motion to Michael Gove, the local MP. This active support by Surrey Heath is important as the Bill will receive its third reading on Friday, May 12th, and Friday debates are usually poorly attended.