Press release
New green energy fund overshadowed by solar cuts
7 December 2011
Commenting on a new Government fund to help communities develop renewable energy, Friends of the Earth's Energy Campaigner Donna Hume said:
"New Government cash to encourage investment in clean energy for communities is welcome, but ironic considering Ministers' botched plans to slash payments for solar electricity.
"The fund's strict rules mean it will do little to save the countless community clean energy schemes and jobs that are already being abandoned because of the payment cut.
"Ministers must rethink their devastating solar plans if they are serious about tackling rocketing fuel bills - and investigate the role of the Big Six energy firms in keeping us hooked on expensive fossil fuels."
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. Friends of the Earth's legal challenge to cuts in solar incentives is part of its Final Demand campaign, which calls for energy we can all afford and a public inquiry into the power and influence of the Big Six energy companies.
2. More than 15,000 people have asked the Government to keep supporting clean British energy - join them now
3. As well as not doing anything to reverse the impact of solar cuts on communities, the fund's strict rules for applying and small cash pot mean groups will have limited say in how they use it to help their communities.
4. Friends of the Earth and two solar firms have a High Court hearing next week to ask for permission to challenge Government plans to slash solar subsidies:
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Dec 2011
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