NALC champions local solar energy and EV projects

We are calling on the government to empower parish and town councils to take the lead on small-scale renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) initiatives.

In our response to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero's (DESNZ) recent call for evidence, we urged ministers to make it easier for parish and town councils to install solar canopies on new car parks and develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure, particularly where councils are managing or developing their car parks.

We argued that government backing is vital for enabling these grassroots projects. Improvements are needed in both financial support and investment in local electricity networks, helping parish and town councils to contribute more effectively to the UK's clean energy transition.

The submission also highlighted the need to update planning laws and guidance to align with the country's net zero ambitions. We recommended that energy-saving and carbon-neutral measures should be a requirement in all relevant planning applications and building control decisions.

Additionally, we suggested that energy suppliers should be placed under an OFGEM-enforced duty to actively support parish and town councils in exporting solar energy to the grid.

However, our response also urged caution. While solar canopies can offer clear benefits, mandating them on car parks serving offices, leisure venues, pubs, and similar locations could have unintended visual and environmental consequences, issues that deserve careful consideration.