Issue - meetings

To proceed to invest 2.8m in the fourth phase of the PV panels electricity generating scheme, leading to an annual revenue saving.

To fund the capital investment from the Council's balances leading to permanent revenue savings at once as a contribution to the savings / cuts scheme.

The report was submitted by Cllr Craig ab Iago   

DECISION 

To proceed to invest £2.8m in the fourth phase of the PV panels electricity generating scheme, leading to an annual revenue saving.   

To fund the capital investment from the Council's balances, leading to immediate permanent revenue savings, as a contribution to the savings / cuts scheme. 

DISCUSSION 

The report was submitted and it was noted that the Council led the way in Wales and possibly in Britain, regarding the steps it was taking to reduce its carbon footprint. It was explained that steps were being taken across the Council to make these important changes in order to look after the environment, and in order to save money.  

The Energy and Commercial Services Manager expressed that this was the fourth phase of the Solar Plan which had been an incredibly successful plan. It was explained that phase 3 had ended as a result of a Government change but consequently to a reduction in the cost of solar panels and an increase in energy costs this had led to the creation of phase 4. It was emphasised that the Plan was based on today's energy costs, and therefore if energy costs continued to rise, it highlighted that the business case for it was mature.  

Observations arising from the discussion 

·                Gratitude was expressed for the report and it was asked whether phase 4 would be the final step. It was explained that this would be the last phase in terms of the Council's buildings, but that options now existed following this, such as Solar Farms.    

·                It was explained that this plan was one that reduced carbon and assisted the Council to meet the financial deficit. It was expressed that there was a requirement here to use the Council's reserve funds to finance this so that it was possible to receive the financial savings emanating from the Plan immediately.