CEREDIGION MP Ben Lake has been thanked by campaigners for championing community renewable energy at a recent debate in Parliament.

A debate on the proposal to create a ‘Right to Local Supply’ via a proposed new law, known as the Local Electricity Bill, was held before Christmas.

Mr Lake is supporting the bill along with a cross-party group of 291 MPs.

The Bill aims to help rebuild local economies whilst increasing domestically generated clean energy, helping to reduce the UK’s reliance on gas imports.

If made law, the Local Electricity Bill would empower community-owned local energy companies to sell locally generated renewable electricity directly to local households and businesses, helping to make new schemes financially viable.

It would do this by making the costs of being an energy supplier proportionate to the size of the business.

Campaigning group, Power for People, are calling for MPs and the government to make the Bill law and are leading a supportive coalition of organisations.

Power for People’s Director, Steve Shaw, said: “We thank Ben Lake for supporting the Local Electricity Bill and for highlighting the significant societal benefits of community energy.

“If made law, the Bill would unlock the huge potential for new community-owned clean energy infrastructure and for this to boost jobs and the economy in Ceredigion and in communities across the UK.”

Mr Lake said: “A Right to Local Supply will empower and enable new community energy companies to sell energy that they generate directly to local people.

“This will help strengthen local economies and reduce our dependence on natural gas.

“The Local Electricity Bill would enshrine a Right to Local Supply in law and I will do all I can to ensure it succeeds.”