Ministers set out plans for new publicly-owned energy company
Nation.Cymru staff
People across Wales are being asked for their views on plans to create a new publicly-owned national energy company which ministers say could eventually help cut bills.
The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on proposals to bring existing public energy organisations together into a single company designed to increase Welsh ownership of renewable energy and keep more of the economic benefits generated in Wales.
The proposed company would aim to develop a stronger publicly-owned energy sector, with revenues from projects reinvested in communities and public services.
Ministers say Wales has some of the best renewable energy resources in Europe but want a greater share of the financial benefits from their development to remain in the country.
The company would also work with communities, businesses and public services to help them make greater use of energy generated in Wales.
However, it would not replace existing energy suppliers or directly control the prices households pay for gas and electricity.
The Welsh Government says greater Welsh ownership of energy projects could nevertheless help reduce costs over the longer term, while retaining more of the income generated by the country’s energy resources.
‘Huge potential’
Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Adam Price said: “Wales has huge potential to generate clean energy from our natural resources.
“We want to make sure the benefits of that energy are felt by people and communities across Wales, both in jobs and growth but eventually in lower bills too.
“Wales is on the verge of another energy revolution and this time we want to make sure we keep more of the benefits here.
“This consultation is about how we can build a stronger Welsh energy sector, support local ownership and create lasting value for future generations. It’s about cheaper, cleaner energy that is made and owned in Wales.
“We want to hear from people, communities, businesses and organisations across Wales about how this company should work and what it should deliver.”
The proposals come as households continue to face pressure from energy costs.
The Welsh Government says it is investing more than £37m in its Nest scheme this year to help low-income households improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Other support includes fuel vouchers and heating assistance, while the Claim What’s Yours service helps people establish whether they are eligible for additional financial support.
The Nest advice line is also available to households seeking advice on reducing energy costs and can assess whether people qualify for energy-efficiency measures.
Commenting on the announcement of the consultation, Conservative MS Janet Finch-Saunders, Shadow Minister for the Economy, said: “While thousands of well-paid manufacturing jobs are being lost, the Welsh Government’s answer is another state-owned company and yet more wind turbines and solar farms across the Welsh countryside.
“Wales needs cheap, reliable energy to keep factories open, businesses competitive and household bills down.
“Instead of pursuing costly Net Zero policies, we should be making use of Britain’s own oil and gas reserves, backing nuclear power and putting energy security and affordability first.
“Welsh families and businesses should not be forced to pay higher energy bills so that Plaid Cymru can pursue feel-good green policies which industrialise our countryside while helping to deindustrialise our economy.”
The consultation on the new public energy company will run until November 30.
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They’re running another consultation!
First one for this proposal, isn’t it. Surely you’re not suggesting they just go for it, especially after the sorry saga of Bristol council’s energy company.
Hhmmm; I think it’s just so embedded in devolved politics that rather than formulating an idea for something in opposition, you come up with a basic plan – or a few headline grabbing words – then spend the first 18-24 months planning how to implement it. It then takes another 1-2 years to actually doing anything about the plan, by which time you’re getting ready for the next election. In the end, nothing ambitious gets done. I don’t think labour were any better. Just feels like we are now we’re now electing parties to decide which consultations we run in… Read more »
Meanwhile the Johnson regime was elected on the promise of planning reform that got stuck in a consultation doom loop without delivering anything before his party was kicked out five years later. It’s not a party political problem.
Ultimately the best consultation is to pilot it and get feedback. Consultations that require imagination and vision rarely work out well, and are inevitably dominated by vested interests in the status quo, and bored retirees trying to recreate the 50s.
The strange thing about this consultation is – when you look at the questions – they largely look loaded. It’s like we have already know the answers and they’re just seeking affirmation. So what’s the point in running a consultation?
It looks like what they’re planning to do is just bring together some related organisations across WG under one umbrella.
but yes, they are doing a lot of consultations!
Would you rather they went ahead without one?
Is the link correct?
It is now. Thanks for letting us know.
Why on earth would you have a public consultation? Another waste of time and resources. You consult with industry key players, international examples of where they’ve got it right, learn from those where they got it wrong (Bristol) etc. You’re elected and paid to govern. Get on with it.
Last time I looked, we’re a democracy in Wales and, in a democracy, it’s essential that the voter has their say and is heard properly. No-one’s forcing you to comment if you don’t want to but standing in the way of others’ right to do so is anti-democratic.