Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change takes a tour of Woking

On Monday 9^th August, Woking was delighted to welcome Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change to the town. Woking Borough Council, with the assistance of Thameswey Energy has been at the forefront of investing in renewable energy sources throughout the Borough to help reduce carbon emissions.

During his visit Mr Huhne was informed of the renewable measures which have been put in place. This included a visit to the advanced Photovoltaic system on the canopy over Albion Square, outside the railway station, and a visit to Brookwood Farm, Knaphill, a new development of low carbon homes. To view Chris Huhne's reaction to Woking's renewable technologies please click the video link below.

Mr Huhne commented, "Forward thinking local authorities such as Woking in Surrey have been quietly getting on with it, but against the odds, their efforts frustrated by the law." As a result, it has been announced that from next week (18^th August) the current ban on Local Authorities selling any excess renewable energy to the grid will be lifted. This will result in local authorities, including Woking Borough Council, being able to take full advantage of the Feed-in-Tariff. The estimated potential income generation by Local Authorities throughout England and Wales just through the Feed-in-Tariff is £100 million. It has also been decided that the Local Authority will be solely responsible for distributing their share of the income. It is no doubt that with the lift of this ban more Local Authorities will install renewable technologies and will benefit from the Feed-in-Tariff.

In addition, you too could benefit by generating your own electricity by installing a Photovoltaic system. For more information on installing renewable technologies in you own home or on how you could be rewarded by the Feed-in-Tariff please contact Action Woking.

Please contact:

26a Commercial Way,
Woking
GU21 6EN

By phone

0800 783 2503

By email

[email protected]

Source: DECC