Scottish council leaders have warned of possible bankruptcy due to cuts to local budgets. At this breaking point, public ownership of energy generation represents vast untapped potential to fund frontline services, empower parliaments, and tackle the climate crisis.
New research outlining the 'win-win chances' for Scottish public services has found that public ownership of energy generation could generate up to £150 million a year in extra income for communities in the north-east of Scotland It has been revealed that the project has the potential to create 7,000 green jobs. „virtuous cycle“ Promoting green investment, local procurement, and revitalizing the local economy.
The research, carried out by Transition Economics and Platforms, examines the role played by public energy companies in deploying renewable energy across Europe and in the UK. This is the first in a series of briefings to consider how public energy at municipal level can be publicly owned and financed.
Very easy, no need to think
Platform public energy campaigner Frick Monk said: “We have a chance to empower local communities and repair decades of cuts to local services.
“Local authorities can join forces and pool their resources. In the face of austerity and the huge profits of private energy companies, Scottish parliaments can work together to invest in public energy projects that can deliver public services well into the future. It is essential to utilize the funds.”
Extinction Rebellion (XR) Highlands and Islands activist Gary Jack said: „Our natural resources are being sold off while local communities suffer and bills go up. Despite being Scotland's oil capital, it has the worst housing stock in Europe.
“Public renewable energy companies can generate the revenue needed to better insulate homes and install energy-efficient heating systems.
“It makes sense to lower bills, cut emissions, improve jobs, and increase investment in public services. Instead of tax breaks and subsidies for big business, governments should invest in publicly owned renewable energy.” Congress should provide the support needed to unlock the potential of
Chris Leask, Green Member for Orkney Islands Council, said: “For too long, communities across Scotland have watched the private sector tap into world-leading renewable energy resources.
green job
“Local authorities have a transformative opportunity to lead decarbonisation and reclaim infrastructure for the public good. I am delighted that organizations across the north of Scotland are campaigning for this future. , we hope other local authorities will follow Orkney's lead and rebuild the energy relationships that are at the heart of our lives.“
Cllr Chris Ballance, Highland Green Councilor for Aird and Loch Ness, said: “Communities across the Highlands have been hit hard by the cost of living crisis and we face many more years of austerity. It has the potential to fund vital public services that people rely on.”
Ryan Morrison, transition campaigner at the Scottish Trades Union Congress, said: “Despite years of promises of green jobs in Scotland, Scotland’s vast renewable energy potential remains largely unexplored by many companies, including those owned by governments and local authorities in our European neighbours. It is used to finance national companies.
“Rather than just watching others profit, public ownership can help build decent, green jobs, reindustrialize energy supply chains and expand the wealth of Scottish communities. .
“Orkney Council has shown what is possible when councils lead. Every councilor in Scotland needs to work to increase local government ownership, for the benefit of local people. We should redouble our efforts.”
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Ruby Harbor is a freelance journalist. This article is based on a press release from the platform.