Thumbs up for green energy

2:11pm Thursday 18th October 2001

WYCOMBE District Council has given its support to a new agency aiming to boost renewable energy generation and use in the Thames Valley following the introduction of the climate change levy.

Its backing for the Thames Valley Renewable Energy Agency, or TV Energy, follows the council's own decision to switch from its present energy supply to renewable sources.

The Government introduced the energy tax on April 1 to reduce industrial emissions. It applies only to electricity produced by fossil fuels and not to electricity from renewable sources.

The council signed a contract with London Electricity in May to provide electricity from sources such as wind, solar and water to the district council's main offices in Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe.

A district council spokesman said the decision to use renewably sourced electricity meant the council would not have to pay the levy and therefore save money.

TV Energy, one of the first renewable energy focused agencies, was launched with European funding earlier this month at a one-day conference and exhibition. It is supported by leading organisations in the region, including National Wind Power in Bourne End and Montgomery Watson in High Wycombe, as well as the Government Office for the South East and local authorities.

There is also Government help for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) hit by the introduction of a Climate Change Levy through the Energy Saving Trust's Lightswitch Programme with rebates available up to 6,000 to cover up to 50 per cent of the lighting equipment costs.

To qualify the SME must have fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than 25 million. Only products made by participating manufacturers with the programme may be installed and the rebate must be approved before any work is undertaken.

Further information and application forms are available by contacting 08705 133538.

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