Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Economy and Development Directorate Projects Officer.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at their meeting on 4 September 2008 and their comments will be reported.

(Report circulated)

The report of the Economy and Development Directorate Projects Officer was submitted, seeking approval for the Centre for Energy and Environment (CEE) at Exeter University to undertake an initial feasibility assessment of options for a) low carbon energy solutions in those parts of Exwick without a mains gas connection and b) shared energy solutions for the City’s industrial estates, drawing on a survey of energy use in these areas. The Director Economy and Development reported that the £14,500 identified as a funding deficit in the report would be met from the Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA) performance reward grant.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at their meeting on 4

September 2008 and the support and comments of Members were noted. Executive members also welcomed the potential benefits of the initiative in Exwick in terms of social inclusion.

Executive resolved that:-

(1)  the proposal for an initial feasibility assessment of options for energy solutions to be undertaken by Exeter University, as outlined in the report, be approved; and

(2)  the work to be funded by a £6000 contribution from EDF, £5,000 from the Economy and Development Directorate partnership reserve and £14,500 from the Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA) performance reward grant.

The report of the Economy and Development Directorate Projects Officer was submitted, seeking approval for the Centre for Energy and Environment (CEE) at Exeter University to undertake an initial feasibility assessment of options for a) low carbon energy solutions in those parts of Exwick without a mains gas connection and b) shared energy solutions for the City’s industrial estates, drawing on a survey of energy use in these areas. The Director Economy and Development reported that the £14,500 identified as a funding deficit in the report would be met from the Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA) performance reward grant.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at their meeting on 4

September 2008 and the support and comments of Members were noted. Executive members also welcomed the potential benefits of the initiative in Exwick in terms of social inclusion.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)  the proposal for an initial feasibility assessment of options for energy solutions to be undertaken by Exeter University, as outlined in the report, be approved; and

(2)  the work to be funded by a £6000 contribution from EDF, £5,000 from the Economy and Development Directorate partnership reserve and £14,500 from the Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA) performance reward grant.

(Report circulated)

To consider the report of the Directorate Projects Officer - report circulated

Councillor PJ Brock declared a personal interest as the holder of British Gas shares.

The Director Economy and Development presented a report which sought Executive approval for the Centre for Energy and Environment (CEE) at Exeter University to undertake an initial feasibility assessment of options looking at low carbon energy solutions in those parts of Exwick without a mains gas connection; and shared energy solutions for the City’s industrial estates, drawing on a survey of energy use in these areas. This study provided a good opportunity to look at a sample of households in Exeter without gas, and identify more sustainable and economic solutions. He responded to concerns that there would be enough participation from  domestic households and businesses to make significant changes in their energy use. 

A Member queried whether these households would be able to look at the investment to replace uneconomical systems such as night storage heaters.  The Director referred to the importance of developing a comprehensive action plan to support a more sustainable approach to energy use.  This study should come up with viable and economic solutions which might result in future grants to help a good proportion of public housing in Exwick.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy supported approval by the Executive for additional expenditure of £14,500 from the Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA) Performance Reward Grant and a contribution of £5,000 from the Economy Development Partnership reserve to fund feasibility work by Exeter University as outlined in the report.

(Report circulated)