Caroline Russell AM has today obtained confirmation from the Mayor of London that ‘Energy for Londoners’ will be a fully licensed energy company that is able to sell electricity to residents and businesses. At Mayor’s Question Time today, 22 June 2016, the Mayor confirmed:
1) “Energy for Londoners’ will provide Londoners with “better more competitive choice of energy suppliers” and “fairer tariffs for all its customers”
2) The Mayor’s officers are working closely with the council-run municipal energy companies Robin Hood Energy (Nottingham), Bristol Energy and Our Power in Scotland, to establish the most appropriate structure for “Energy for Londoners”. Its overriding objectives will be to reduce carbon emissions and alleviate fuel poverty.
3) Mayor will consider the Green Party Group’s feasibility report on establishing a fully licensed energy supply company that offers all Londoners competitive, low carbon energy and alternative to the Big 6. The revenue generated from sales of energy would be reinvested into solar panels and renewable energy investment, and energy efficiency measures to tackle fuel poverty.
Caroline Russell commented:
I’m delighted that the Mayor is setting up a not for profit energy company. It could make a real difference to Londoners, providing residents, schools, hospitals and businesses with affordable, low carbon energy. It also provides a massive opportunity to reinvest profits from the sales revenues in generating more renewable energy and addressing fuel poverty with energy efficiency measures.
“However, a genuine Energy for Londoners must involve the community energy sector in the governance and set up of the company. The Mayor must ensure the board reflects London’s diversity and include voices from small and community owned energy companies.”
Notes to editors
1) Caroline Russell AM priority question tabled at Mayor’s Question Time on 22 June 2016.
Question to Mayor of London
Energy for Londoners
Will your ‘Energy for Londoners’ be a fully licensed municipal energy company that is able to sell electricity to residents and businesses?
2) Youtube video of Caroline Russell questioning Mayor about Energy for Londoners https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogqVIHZue4A
3) Green Party Groups published a feasibility report in January 2016 exploring the issues around the GLA going establishing a fully licensed not-for-profit energy supply company. Its recommendations include:
- selling electricity direct to London residents, businesses, schools and hospitals
- providing cost competitive energy, unlike big 6 rip off prices
- using revenue generated from sales to install solar panels on TfL estate/Mayoral homes and to help Londoners with energy efficiency measures to tackle fuel poverty