Issue - meetings

Purpose.

To set out the details of a service by which every household in the city will be able to access appropriate support with home energy efficiency and renewable technology. The service will encourage a greater uptake of energy efficiency measures in Portsmouth; lowering emissions and energy bills, as well as promoting the creation of low-carbon skills and employment in the area. 

RECOMMENDED that:

1.    That the Cabinet agrees that reducing domestic energy consumption, and the resultant carbon emissions, should be encouraged within Portsmouth by widening the advice and support on offer to incorporate every household in the city.

2.    That the Cabinet approves the services detailed below, in sections 5 to 9 of this report, to be investigated and developed to strengthen the offer to non-fuel poor households.

3.    That the Cabinet instructs officers to build a business case to create a comprehensive service offer and methodology for directing support which is appropriate and tailored to every household in the city. The business case will consider the level of resourcing available through the PCC energy services team, and consider options to increase capacity; including the exploration of strategic partnerships to provide the comprehensive service and offer.

4.    That the Cabinet instructs officers to explore a programme for developing a local, highly-skilled workforce to deliver low-carbon, energy efficiency installations within the city.

5.    That the Cabinet instructs officers to explore the potential of financing the capital cost of low-carbon technologies for private housing tenures, through the provision of grants and loans. 

6.    That a further report on progress be brought back to the Cabinet in January 2021.

DECISION

The Cabinet:

1.    Agreed that reducing domestic energy consumption, and the resultant carbon emissions, should be encouraged within Portsmouth by widening the advice and support on offer to incorporate every household in the city.

2.    Approved the services detailed below, in sections 5 to 9 of this report, to be investigated and developed to strengthen the offer to non-fuel poor households.

3.    Instructed officers to build a business case to create a comprehensive service offer and methodology for directing support which is appropriate and tailored to every household in the city. The business case will consider the level of resourcing available through the PCC energy services team, and consider options to increase capacity; including the exploration of strategic partnerships to provide the comprehensive service and offer.

4.    Instructed officers to explore a programme for developing a local, highly-skilled workforce to deliver low-carbon, energy efficiency installations within the city.

5.    Instructed officers to explore the potential of financing the capital cost of low-carbon technologies for private housing tenures, through the provision of grants and loans.

6.    A further report on progress be brought back to the Cabinet in January 2021.