Ruling on solar panel tariffs upheld - but too late for housing group
THE Court of Appeal has upheld a High Court ruling that government plans to cut subsidies for domestic solar panels overstepped the mark.
However this has proved too late for a Sussex housing association which wanted to introduce solar panels at 178 homes in Bexhill.
AmicusHorizon said its ambitious scheme across the south east could save tenants £190 a year, but had to abandon the project as the proposed new rates no longer made the scheme cost-effective.
A spokesperson for AmicusHorizon said: “We noted the High Court ruling to uphold the solar panel subsidies. However, even if the ruling is also upheld by the Supreme Court we don’t have time to take advantage of the original feed in tariff before the cut off on March 3.
“This is very disappointing. We had to cancel our solar panel project, as under the new rates it’s no longer affordable for us. The original feed in tariff would’ve provided an income stream to generate a range of community projects, helping our residents in combating fuel poverty.”
Sidley councillor Maurice Watson (Lab) said the judgement was a ‘slap in the face’ for the Energy and Climate Change Minister, Bexhill MP Greg Barker, who is seeking the cuts to the tariff.
Cllr Watson added: “It’s just such a shame the decision came too late for Amicus Horizon and that tenants have been left out in the cold.
“We should be working towards a green local economy that could provide jobs and growth right on our doorstep. Helping more people to plug into clean British energy will help protect cash-strapped households from soaring fuel bills. The Tory-led Government has talked up a green future but actions speak louder than words.
MP Greg Barker said: “We disagree with the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold the High Court Ruling on feed in tariffs and we are seeking permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.
“I want to see the available funding spread as far and wide as possible making feed in tariffs a scheme for the many not a scheme for the few, supporting sustainable jobs in solar and in a whole range of small scale renewables.”
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Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South west
