Decision details

That the Council procures its electricity through the recently established ESPO electricity framework for the period October 2020-September 2024.

That the Council buys green energy for the period 1 October 2019 -30 September 2020.

That the decision as to what type of energy to buy after 1 October 2020 is delegated to the Executive Director – Commercial, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Chairman of the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee.

As detailed in the report and taking into account the considerations of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board and the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee as follows:

• The Board highlighted the importance of considering the ability for the Council to buy green or brown energy as part of the ESPO electricity framework and requested the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee consider the green or brown energy mix in more detail.

• Members of the Board highlighted the need for the Council to consider switching to 100% green energy as part of the Council's local leadership role and carbon management responsibilities to promote renewable energy sources.

• The Scrutiny Committee unanimously recommended that the County Council procure a 'Pure Green' Fuel Mix as a way to meet the Council's carbon emission targets.

• The Scrutiny Committee highlighted buying green would also allow the Council to report that it emits zero emissions for the Council's electricity needs, supporting the Council's Carbon Management Action Plan. 

As detailed in the report.