The Energy Bill is progressing through Parliament. It had its 2nd reading in the House on the 18 January and the transcription in Hansard is an interesting read (about 3/4 of the way through under Column 149 with the reading beginning at 4.30pm).
The Energy Bill is important to Scotland and to us particularly as it covers the cessation of ROCs, or the end to public subsidy for new on-shore wind. Beyond this, it is also important in England and Wales because it aims to transfer consent from the Energy Minister for wind farms over 50MW into the control of local authorities under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 but in Scotland the Minister will retain this authority.
The transcription makes interesting reading and the next step is a House of Commons Public Bill Committee that meets on the 26 January and reports to the House on the 9 February 2016. The Committee has several meetings scheduled and allows for written submissions from, amongst others, members of the public who have an interest in energy. All submissions will be considered. If you are interested in commenting, you can do so by following this link.
dumgalagainstpylons 