Issue - meetings

The Panel is to receive a presentation on the Local Area Energy Plan.

Executive Councillor: L Davenport-Ray

By means of a presentation by the Home Energy Reduction Officer (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), the Local Area Energy Plan was presented to the Panel.

Following a question from Councillor Hunt, the Panel heard that the finished document would not have planning status but that it would be a useful tool for planners to help unlock growth in digital connectivity and energy.

In response to an enquiry from Councillor Alban, the Panel heard that communication was ongoing with large organisations within the district, such as the RAF and Hinchingbrooke Hospital to identify current and future need within the district. The Panel heard that the Council hoped to be an enabler in identifying need to UK Power Networks for delivery. The Panel also heard that the team continued to work with communities on localised schemes, such as the generation of hydro electric power at Little Paxton, and how to best develop these.

It was confirmed, following a query from Councillor Shaw, that the engagement piece of work would be outsourced and that this would run across the county as a broader project. The Panel also heard that community heating systems had been investigated and that these were mainly installed as a retrofit at the current time, however the development of this would be monitored to ensure there is opportunity to be included as a scenario within the plan. It was noted however that as a forward looking piece of work and with a move towards decarbonisation, the current opportunities for these types of system were in conflict with that goal.

Councillor Hunt expressed concern about the Council’s ability to influence stakeholders and investors, following which, the Panel were assured that the Council’s work would be linked to National Policy and would rely upon that being fed through.