Research by Centrica has found that distributed energy solutions, such as battery storage and energy saving devices, can provide savings on energy bills and a boost to the country’s overall economic growth. Centrica estimates that local authorities in England could save 15 per cent on their energy bills. In the Wells Constituency, this could mean savings of £5.8 million in Mendip and £6.5 in Sedgemoor. In England, this totals more than £2.4bn.
Local authorities in England are looking to make cost savings particularly as council tax rates are being announced. Centrica estimates that local authorities could save at least 15 per cent on their energy bills by deploying distributed energy solutions including battery storage, onsite power generation and energy saving devices.
An example of this is the 3MW battery storage scheme Centrica recently installed for Gateshead Council. It forms part of a district energy centre and, once commissioned, will be used to provide flexibility services for the council, and eventually to meet peaks in local demand.
James Heappey MP, after attending an event at Westminster to learn about distributed energy solutions, said: “Energy costs can make up a large proportion of operating costs for businesses, public services and local councils alike. Very often, the investments required for energy efficiency measures or clean technologies is quickly repaid by the huge savings that can be made on energy bills.
“I’m not convinced that Mendip and Sedgemoor can save £12.3 million with these measures but the research by Centrica is certainly eye catching and I hope council leaders will look at what energy savings devices and distributed energy solutions could be deployed locally to reduce costs and allow money to be spent on other public services instead.”
Other key findings from the report were the opportunity for NHS England to make an annual saving of over £100 million or 20% from the cost of its energy. Whilst there is the potential for £14 billion in Gross Value Added across all industries in the UK economy.