Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

(Exempt Appendix)

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Lelliott

Commissioner:         Kenny (in advisory role)

Recommendations:-

1.    That a detailed feasibility study be undertaken in order to assess the viability of developing a Community Energy Switching Scheme.

2.    That a detailed feasibility report be brought back to Cabinet for consideration.

Consideration was given to a report which sought approval to assess the feasibility of developing a community energy switching scheme in Rotherham to reduce the number of people in Rotherham paying high tariffs for gas and electricity.

Various options were considered as part of the report and it was recommended that Option 3 be progressed as the outcome of the feasibility study and subsequent development of a Community Energy Switching Scheme could reduce the number of people in Rotherham paying high tariffs for gas and electricity.

This report had been considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board as part of the pre-scrutiny process who were in support of the recommendations, for  Cabinet to encourage officers to deliver this project swiftly and subject to the outcome of the study, consideration be given to the marketing and promotion of the scheme

Resolved:-  (1)  That a detailed feasibility study be undertaken in order to assess the viability of developing a Community Energy Switching Scheme.

(2)  That a detailed feasibility report be brought back to Cabinet for consideration.

(3)  That officers be encouraged to deliver this project swiftly.

(4)  That, subject to the outcome of the study, consideration be given to the marketing and promotion of the scheme

Cabinet Portfolio:                 Jobs and the Local Economy

Strategic Directorate:           Regeneration and Environment

Consideration was given to a report due to be determined at the Cabinet and Commissioners’ Decision Making Meeting on 9 July 2018 in respect of undertaking a feasibility study for the development of a community energy switching scheme in Rotherham to reduce the number of people in Rotherham paying high tariffs for gas and electricity.

The overarching feedback from Members was that the proposal was a step in the right direction that would have the benefit of assisting the poorest with energy bills. Whilst it recognised that the proposed Cabinet decision related solely to the conduct of a feasibility study, Members were keen to see this delivered swiftly so that residents across the borough could benefit at the earliest opportunity from potential savings on energy bills.

Resolved:-

1.    That Cabinet be advised that the recommendations be supported.

2.    That Cabinet encourage officers to deliver this project swiftly.

3.    That, subject to the outcome of the study, consideration be given to the marketing and promotion of the scheme