Discover how councils can meet the energy challenge

APSE Energy is delighted to announce the launch of its new publication “Energy across the authority: How local authorities are using assets to develop the energy agenda.”  The publication looks at a small sample of the many and varied projects involving local authorities that aim to tackle the serious issues raised by the energy agenda in their localities.

Municipalisation of energy is now a very real development with an increasing number of local authorities considering a move into the sector. As councils interested in shaping the energy agenda explore the options available to them, this publication has been designed to help inform and guide their approach; examining in detail ten successful municipal energy projects from across the UK.

Head of APSE Energy, Phil Brennan, said, “There are fewer elements of our lives more fundamental to us than energy. However, the energy market is one which, by common agreement, has not been functioning well. In addition to a creaking national grid, rising energy prices has meant that energy users increasingly feel isolated and angry at what they perceive to be an responsive sector dominated by the Big 6.

Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that local authorities are starting to respond to this situation in a proactive manner. There is a growing recognition that local authorities have a role to play in the energy agenda, and this publication provides examples of their growing effectiveness. Whether it’s Wrexham County Borough Council’s Legacy Solar Farm, Fife Council’s fleet decarbonisation project or Doncaster Council’s Boilers on Prescription scheme, this publication showcases some of the ambitious and innovative municipal energy projects being undertaken across the UK.”

Delighted by this first-of-its-kind APSE Energy publication, Paul O’Brien, APSE Chief Executive, said “We at APSE believe a growing role for local authorities in the energy sector is necessary to achieve better social outcomes for UK communities and businesses. To best achieve these outcomes, the energy agenda can benefit enormously from a commercial approach. This does not mean councils should be motivated solely by profit.  Investing in developing technologies, working in partnership with the private sector, using assets outside of their locality and adopting new business models are all examples of effective commercial activity with a social purpose, and can be read about in detail in this publication. If a council is serious about using assets to develop their energy agenda, I highly recommend downloading this excellent resource.”

This publication will serve as an incredibly useful tool for local authorities and, as municipal energy gathers steam, we hope it will be the first of many.

The publication is available to order here. Alternatively, you can download a free online version by clicking on the button below. 

View report (pdf)

If your council is interested in using its assets to develop the energy agenda, please email Phil Brennan, Head of APSE Energy, or call 0161 772 1810.