To consider the above report.

The Panel considered the report that provided an update on the progress being made to deliver the Council’s energy and water reduction strategy. It provided a breakdown of the Council’s energy savings, information on a Southampton City Council white label scheme, an update on the Town Hall building management system and LED lighting phase 2 projects and an update on the Energy Switch to Save Scheme.  A recommendation was made that the Council signs a letter of support for Southampton City Council’s white label scheme.

The Panel were informed that Appendix A provided a breakdown of energy savings that had been achieved.  The table shows savings have been made at a wide range of buildings. The savings made at Hines Meadow Car Park eclipse the savings made at any other site but there are some great savings being made across the portfolio. Overall the energy savings and feed in tariff income for the Town Hall solar panels provide the second largest site saving followed by lighting works carried out at Stafferton Way Car Park under the RE:FIT contract.

The Panel went on to consider the update on the Southampton White Label Scheme which if accepted would  offer a set of local tariffs to the residents and businesses across the southern region. Southampton City Council are leading on the procurement process to find a suitable energy supply partner to deliver the Scheme across the southern region.  The principal aims of this municipal energy project were to help to alleviate fuel poverty and to help people who do not normally switch supplier to switch to a more favourable tariff.  A fuel poor household is defined as one which needs to spend more than 10% of its income on all fuel use when the home is heated to an adequate standard of warmth.  If approved it was proposed to send a letter of support for the scheme.

During discussion on this item concern was raised that the information screens in libraries were not working as these provided valuable information on schemes.  It was noted that this was targeted at vulnerable residents and concern was raised that when an individual switched energy supplier their previous supplier may harass them; it would be recommended that information on residents rights could be produced.  The Panel supported the recommendation to send a letter of interest to Southampton.

The Panel also noted the phase 2 LED lighting scheme and the Energy Switch to Save Scheme as detailed within the report.

Resolved unanimously that: the Panel:

·         notes the report and the progress made on the proposed work plan.

·         approves signing a letter of support for Southampton City Council’s energy white label scheme.