MEMBERS of Bude Energy Community have met North Cornwall MP Scott Mann to discuss their work and the need for more national action to support community energy initiatives.

BECo members told the Conservative MP that they had set up a new social enterprise — Bude Community Power — to develop community-owned renewable energy projects for the benefit of communities in the area.

Mr Mann, who has been an active supporter of WREN, a community energy scheme in Wadebridge, welcomed the setting up of Bude Community Power because of the important role it could play, helping to tackle climate change, creating employment opportunities and keeping money spent on energy in the local area.

Any surpluses generated by the social enterprise would also be used to help community projects in need of funds and tackle fuel poverty.

BECo members highlighted to him the challenges faced by energy community groups as they sought to establish their first renewable energy projects, including access to the electricity grid, and being able to make a viable business case.

Fred Barker, chair of BECo, said: “Although community energy has great potential to contribute to national energy policy objectives, local economic development and local well-being, its full potential will only be realised with strong, favourable and consistent policy at Government level.

“We believe that there is a strong case for Government to create a more supportive policy and regulatory environment in which community energy schemes can flourish.”

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week’s edition of the Post.