Delays have hit an innovative plan to boost renewable power in Bristol and 'take control of the city’s energy supply'. Rising costs since the war in Ukraine have left council bosses searching for cheaper ways to power public sector buildings, after their energy bills doubled.
Wind turbines and a solar farm in Avonmouth, owned by Bristol City Council, generate about 4.3 megawatts of renewable energy. But with the way the market normally works, this energy is sold to the National Grid, and then later bought back by the council at a higher price.
A new deal, known as 'sleeving', would mean the council effectively using that energy directly, slashing bills for taxpayers. City Hall chiefs would buy the same amount of energy at wholesale prices as was generated by council-owned wind turbines and solar panels.
