Ripple Energy publish the People Power Manifesto, urging political support
The company, which sells shares in new clean energy developments, wants to see MPs prioritise the community ownership model.
Ripple Energy’s customers buy into proposed new clean energy facilities, financing expansion of Britain’s renewable power network. In return for their investment – which can be as little as £100 – they can enjoy thousands of pounds of savings from their utility bills.
While almost all renewable developments are owned and funded by large scale businesses, including supplier and banks, politicians are now being asked to support a People’s Power Manifesto, which promotes:
*20% consumer ownership in all green energy projects
*An end to energy levies on community owned renewable supplies
*Tax relief for all energy bill savings linked to self-owned green power, bringing this in line with home solar
*Interest free loans to help low income homes buy into renewable energy ownership
In May, messages demanding action from politicians were projected onto a 115m tall turbine at Kirk Hill, one of Ripple Energy’s wind farms. These included ‘Don’t Tay Savings’ and ‘Owned By Consumers’, amplifying the potential of this approach to development and ownership. The company is currently developing a new solar park at Darril Water, Devon, and a 14 turbine wind farm has recently been announced at Whitelaw Brae at the Scottish Borders.
‘The UK’s energy landscape is changing, and its ownership needs to change too. It’s time to put people at the heart of the transition to a greener, cleaner and cheaper power system,’ said Sarah Merrick, Ripple Energy Founder and CEO. ‘Consumer ownership can be huge. The next Government really needs to scale it up and enable everyone to get involved. By embracing people-owned power, we can ensure that the benefits of renewable energy are shared by all, creating a more equal and sustainable future.’
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Image: Ripple Energy