Agenda item

Representatives from Norfolk County Council will be present at the meeting to provide information to the Panel.

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Officers from Norfolk County Council attended the meeting and gave a presentation on the Norfolk and Suffolk Energy Plan.  A copy of the presentation is attached.

The Chair thanked officers for the presentation and the early engagement with the Panel.  The Chair invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

Councillor Colwell asked for consideration to be given to energy infrastructure to support ultra-rapid charging stations and it was confirmed that the need for infrastructure would be investigated as part of the plan.

The Vice Chair, Councillor Everett asked about sources of funding and if public and private partnerships would be considered.  It was confirmed that a variety of options would be considered spanning a range of funding opportunities, so that Norfolk and Suffolk was not just reliant on Government funding.

Councillor Blunt referred to the Walpole sub-station and the need to ensure consultation with residents and local people as there were disruptions during construction.  He also commented that facilities seemed concentrated in certain places and asked that the effect on local people be considered.  Officers from Norfolk County Council explained that projects came forward where capacity existed and were decided on by Government, however Local Authorities could scrutinise schemes.  It was explained that the purpose of the Norfolk and Suffolk plan was to form a strategic approach and evidence base to influence future decisions.

In response to a question from the Chair, officers explained that the project was being taken forward to ensure that Norfolk and Suffolk had a sufficient energy supply and were not reliant on energy coming in from outside the area.  The project would look at supply and demand, substation constraints and locally produced energy.

In response to a further question from the Chair it was clarified that locations would be considered through the plan and Norfolk County Council would use the Borough Council’s Local Plan to build the evidence base,

Councillor Bubb asked if the plan would result in a reduction in householder bills and officers from Norfolk County Council confirmed that this would form part of the investigation, including looking at sustainable solutions and flexible schemes.

The Vice Chair referred to energy poverty and the need to get bills down and hoped that schemes would not result in an increase in standing charges.  Officers explained that a variety of investment schemes would be looked at, so it would not necessarily be the energy providers funding the schemes.

In response to a question from the Chair it was confirmed that there would be engagement with neighbouring local authorities as required to influence discussions with the National Grid and Government.

Councillor Kemp addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34 and hoped that there would be a benefit to local communities.  She referred to heat and wave networks and hoped that these would be considered.  It was confirmed that a range of energy solutions would be explored.

Councillor Parish addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34 and commented that generating energy on site would reduce costs and this could be achieved by requiring all new builds to have batteries and solar panels and be orientated so that they were energy efficient.  He commented that the plan should look at saving energy as well as creating energy.  Officers explained that homeowner opportunities would also be looked at and community engagement would take place.

RESOLVED: The Panel noted the report and asked to be kept updated on progress as appropriate.

RESOLVED: The Panel noted the update.