Update on work with energy co-operatives

Update on work with energy co-operatives
 
Meeting with Secretary of State
The meeting with Chris Huhne went ahead as planned earlier this month, although what we hadn’t planned was that he would resign two days later!   Nevertheless it was a useful chance to meet DECC representatives and we will be seeking a meeting with the new Secretary of State in due course.
 
Manifesto
The manifesto text is pretty much finalised now, thanks to all those who sent comments and suggestions.  It will now go for design and we are planning to launch it early on in March.  We have developed an advocacy strategy which includes work with MPs and different government departments and agencies.  In some cases it may be useful to have an energy co-operative representative to come and join the discussions at advocacy meetings  - we will keep in touch with energy co-operative members about this.
 
We also hope that members will be able to promote the Manifesto, particularly the Community Energy Pathway idea, with their own contacts.  We will circulated some ideas when the manifesto is launched.
 
Example of nightmare bureaucracy?
During our work we have come across examples of really frustrating and time wasting bureaucracy e.g. OVESCo’s experience with Ofgem and River Bain’s example of the difficulties of connecting between the power house and the grid which we included in the community energy report . These have proved useful in talking to people about the worth of the Community Energy Pathway we are promoting in the manifesto.  If you have any examples which you think would be useful for us to know about please send us details!