Decision details

The report of the Principal Project Manager (Development) City Development was submitted updating Members on the formation of an Energy Service Company (ESCo) in partnership with the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Trust, University of Exeter, Devon County Council, Teignbridge District Council and East Devon District Council for the purpose of procuring private sector partner(s) and funding to deliver District Heating Networks in Exeter (city centre to Wonford) and at SW Exeter (connecting Energy from Waste facility at Marsh Barton to SW Exeter).

The Principal Project Manager commented that the six public sector partners had received collective legal advice.

In response to a Member, the Chief Executive & Growth Director clarified that the procurement would be in accordance with legal advice. He also proposed an additional recommendation ‘to explore the opportunities of working with a Strategic Partner, if appropriate, to include as a project the proposals contained in the report.’

This additional recommendation was moved by the Leader and seconded by Councillor Sutton.

Scrutiny Committee – Resources considered the report at its meeting on 27 January 2016 and its comments were reported.

RECOMMEND to Council that delegated power is given to the Chief Executive & Growth Director for the following:-

(1)        Exeter City Council to become a shareholder of the public sector ESCo when it is formed in Spring 2016;

(2)        the appointment of Directors to the Public Sector ESCo Board;

(3)        Exeter City Council, subject to successful procurement, approves the long term purchase of competitively priced low carbon heat from the network for the Civic Centre and Exeter Active;

(4)        Exeter City Council, subject to successful procurement, commits to invest £147,000 in the city centre and SW Exeter Joint Venture companies; and

(5)        to explore the opportunities of working with a Strategic Partner, if appropriate, to include as a project the proposals contained in the report.