Highland People’s Power to push for community ownership of renewables
A new community benefit society, launched and led by residents in the Highlands, will push for increased community ownership of renewables in the region, from solar and wind to battery storage.
At a public launch, the new group will set out its vision for an energy system that benefits local people, businesses and the environment.
Highland People’s Power will push for shared ownership of large renewables projects, and invest profits back into the region, widening access to clean, affordable energy and supporting strong public services.
The group says it is driven by what it calls a “perfect storm” of problems in Scotland’s energy system citing statistics that show 33 per cent of households are in fuel poverty in the Highlands while the region has the highest renewable energy development of any region in the UK.
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At the same time, it says, annual household bills are set to rise by 10 per cent and 60,000 Highland pensioners will lose out on this year’s winter fuel payments.
The vast majority of Scotland’s renewables development, it adds, is by multinational corporations making record profits for private shareholders, with ScottishPower’s parent company Iberdrola seeing a recent 50 per cent jump in profits.
Similarly, it says, some of Scotland’s biggest wind farms are also owned by multinational investors registered abroad or other parts of the UK.
While many renewable energy projects are instituted with associated community benefit schemes that see regular donations to local communities living in the vicinity the new group believes it is a regime that is not fit for purpose, arguing many communities lose out due to poor planning, ad-hoc distribution and inflationary pressures.
Anne Thomas, a Highland resident and member of Highland People’s Power, said: “We won’t face another winter of debt and damp without action.
“Places like Caithness produce 10 times the energy needed, yet charities are handing out blankets and food to people struggling to pay their bills.
“Highland People’s Power will be run for us, by us, to empower local people and tackle inequality in the Highlands.”
Ryan MacKintosh, Scottish Green Party councillor on Highland Council for the Inverness West ward said: “It’s crucial that the benefits from renewable energy are enjoyed by everyone across the Highlands, not just private shareholders of large multinationals.
“Through shared ownership, there’s a potential for communities to have actual control and a meaningful stake in renewable energy development in their area.”
Stephen Kelly, at Energy4All - established to expand the number of renewable energy co-operatives in the UK as an integral part of the transition to a low carbon economy - said: “Community ownership is a vital part of the energy transition and can bring real benefits to communities across the country.”
The new Highland group is set to launch on Saturday with an event at the Spectrum Centre in Inverness from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
More information is available at www.highlandpeoplespower.org.uk
