General Updates
To receive relevant updates/information from Panel Members and Officers.
Minutes:
Louise Skipton-Carter (Sustainability Manager) and Clem Smith (Head of Economy and Planning) updated the Panel on key projects and initiatives.
· In order to assist and influence home owners there were various initiatives available:
o Solar Together Scheme – This was a group buying programme for solar PV panels and battery storage, whereby home owners and SMEs could apply. It was run in conjunction with most district and borough councils within West Sussex. Residents register their interest and a reverse auction takes places with the winning bidder setting a competitive price for all solar and battery systems. All installers were pre-vetted and must comply with criteria to guarantee the quality of the offer. Installations for the first auction in October 2020 would be completed by May 2021.
o Energy Switching - Robin Hood Energy, who provided the white label company for Your Energy Sussex, had been sold to Centrica, the parent company of British Gas. Existing Your Energy Sussex customers had been contacted and were able to continue with their existing energy tariff for the duration of their current supply agreement or be able to switch supplier, as Robin Hood Energy had offered a green energy tariff.
o iChoosr - an alternative for energy switching. iChoosr hold three auctions in February, May and October in which energy companies bid their best prices to beat competitors and gain a large number of new customers. The more people who take part, the greater our chances of getting a competitive energy deal.
o Green Homes Grant - homeowners or residential landlords could apply for a Green Homes Grant voucher towards the cost of installing energy efficient improvements (primary and secondary measures – criteria applies). Vouchers cover two-thirds of the cost of eligible improvements, up to a maximum government contribution of £5,000. Individuals in receipt of certain benefits may be eligible for a voucher covering 100% of the cost of the improvements. The maximum value of the voucher was £10,000.
o Warmer Sussex – whilst still in its infancy, the Whole House Plan provided homeowners with an overview of their home and its current energy requirements. Using the information gathered during a survey home and a conversation with an energy advisor this would demonstrate all of the possible improvements to be made, indicative costs of these measures and the impact these will have on the energy efficiency, comfort and environmental impact of an individual’s home. A report was then prepared and expert advice outlining the next stages including finalising specification, gathering prices from several vetted contractors, putting contracts in place, overseeing the quality of the work, dealing with any disputes and signing off the work.
o Towns Investment Fund – this incorporated a number of areas including (if successful) £5m green retrofitting grant fund for homes across the borough from April 2021 over a period of five years, £2.5m green tech business grants to assist businesses with expertise in installing the new technology and green construction skills training at Crawley College to help up-skill the ... view the full minutes text for item 4