The proposed cut in government incentives for the solar energy industry will reduce potential jobs growth and impact on Bristol’s ambitious energy efficiency and renewable energy plan, according to Bristol City Council.The government plans is to cut feed-in tariffs that support the installation of solar PV and also introduce reduced new tariffs for multi-installations. But in written evidence to the government’s consultation process, the council argues that the reduction is too drastic and implementation – by next month – too fast.
Council leader Barbara Janke said: “The timing and speed of this announcement is short-sighted and very frustrating for authorities like Bristol who have ambitious plans for solar roll-out. Multi-installation tariffs disadvantage local authorities and registered social landlords who play an important role in achieving energy bill savings for those in fuel poverty. We need the right level of financial incentive to be in place to get large-scale sustainable energy schemes off the ground – without it we are very hampered.
“At a time when we should be supporting growing industries, this cut in tariffs could threaten jobs in the solar energy sector – one that is very strong in Bristol and the South West. This is why we are calling on the government to introduce a gradual reduction in the tariff and implement it over a time scale that supports local authorities and the low carbon industry.
“We are all in agreement that we want to reduce carbon and encourage renewable industries, and Bristol is in the vanguard of cities doing so. We therefore need a framework in place that encourages these ambitions.”
The council says there are 30 solar companies in the Bristol area – of which about half have registered over the last year and have carried out almost 500 installations in the city this year alone.
