Monday, 20 May 2013

With fuel costs rising and continued pressure on household budgets, Hampshire residents have two weeks left to sign up for a collective energy switching scheme that could save them money on their gas and electric bills.

The County Council has joined up with the 13 local authorities across Hampshire (including Portsmouth and Southampton) to set up Switch Hampshire, which allows gas and electricity consumers to combine their purchasing power and get a better deal on bills.

Registering for the scheme is free and simple to do - all you need is your current tariff and energy use in terms of power (KWh) or cost. This information should be included on your annual energy statements or you can find out from your energy provider. There is no obligation to switch and the secure scheme is backed by the County Council.

Each household could save between £60 to £200 a year on energy bills by joining the scheme. Running a collective switching scheme three times a year could result in potential savings of up to £25 million for Hampshire residents.

People can register until 3 June, either online or by calling 01962 846828 (lines open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm). After the closing date, Switch Hampshire will begin negotiations with energy providers to secure the best deals on the strength of this collective buying power.

There is no obligation to switch energy supplier - Switch Hampshire will notify everyone who has registered about the best energy tariffs available to them and manage the process if they do decide to switch.

With around 760,000 households in Hampshire, just two per cent signing up to switch energy supplier through Switch Hampshire would give a combined purchasing power of just over 15,000 customers. The more people who sign up, the more negotiating power Switch Hampshire will have.

Switch Hampshire is part of a larger scheme, the Big Community Switch, involving several London boroughs.

Access to cheaper energy can have significant benefits to those on low incomes, the elderly and families in fuel poverty, including making a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. It can also offer an opportunity for greater savings for those who rely on electricity for heating and cooking because they are not connected to a mains gas supply.

Nationally, collective energy switching is supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Local Government Association and consumer groups including Consumer Focus.

• Switch Hampshire - Register with Switch Hampshire to see if you could save money on your energy bills

Friday, 3rd May 2013

Hampshire residents are being urged to register for Switch Hampshire, the collective energy switching service that could mean lower household bills for gas and electricity.

The County Council is working with other local authorities across Hampshire on the "Switch Hampshire" scheme that will enable gas and electricity consumers to use their combined purchasing power to seek a better deal on their bills. The scheme offers people the potential to get their gas and/or electricity at cheaper rates than if they buy either service as an individual customer.

As an example, customers could save in the region of £60 to £200 per year on their energy bills by joining the scheme. Running a collective switching scheme three times a year could lead to potential savings of up to £25 million for Hampshire residents.

The first opportunity for residents to register is open until 3 June. People can register online or by calling 01962 846828 (lines open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm). After the registration closing date, Switch Hampshire will begin negotiations with energy providers to secure the best deals on the strength of this collective buying power.

Registering for the scheme is free and does not commit anyone to switching energy supplier. Switch Hampshire will notify all those who have registered about the best energy tariffs available to them and will manage everything for them, if they do make the decision to switch supplier.

With approximately 760,000 households in Hampshire, if just two per cent signed up to switch energy supplier through Hampshire's collective energy switching service, this would give a combined purchasing power of just over 15,000 customers - enabling greater discounts to be negotiated on their behalf. The more people who sign up, the more negotiating power Switch Hampshire will have.

Access to cheaper energy has the potential to bring significant benefits to those on low incomes, the elderly and families in fuel poverty, including making a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. It can also offer an opportunity for greater savings for those who rely on electricity for heating and cooking because they are not connected to a mains gas supply.

Nationally, collective energy switching is supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Local Government Association and consumer groups including Consumer Focus.

• Switch Hampshire

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

More Hampshire schools will be able to harness the power of the sun to help reduce their energy bills in future, as solar panels plan to be fitted on up to 20 school extension projects by Hampshire County Council over the next four years.

All new primary schools built by the County Council already feature solar PV technology, and in future, technical appraisals for possible solar panel installations will now be carried out on all schools identified for extension across Hampshire.

County Council Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber, said: "Solar PV panels on new primary schools and now school extension projects, can not only help schools to deliver savings in their energy consumption equivalent to lighting a classroom for four months, but they are also another way to help achieve energy reduction targets, particularly as schools make up around 60% of the County Council's total carbon emissions.

"We currently have around 30 solar PV installations on Hampshire schools and this programme is likely to double this over the next few years. Each new school extension scheme, regardless of the governance of that school, will be assessed to explore whether solar panels are suitable, and installed where appropriate.

"As is the case with the 1,800 smart meters we have already installed in Hampshire schools to help them measure their electricity and gas usage, these new solar PV panels will also benefit pupils in the classroom who will be able to tie in with the curriculum, the learning opportunities that come along with this technology. Armed with this knowledge, and the advice and tips we also provide on how they can save energy, they will be able to actively identify patterns, times of high consumption and unusual energy use levels, and take positive steps to tackle any issues."

The County Council has a strong track record when it comes to carbon reduction and energy cost savings, having recently exceeded its targets for a second year running, for cutting emissions from its buildings, schools, street lights and other operations.

Much work already takes place in schools to drive down carbon emissions in addition to positive behavioural change and focus on good energy management. This has been at the heart of the County Council's Carbon Management plan and work with its 498 schools. In addition to the smart meters in schools, there have also been a raft of measures to improve lighting, glazing and improved heating systems.

In addition, the County Council is fitting 1,500 boiler control devices in Hampshire's schools to save an estimated 10% from their heating fuel bills.

• County Council beats carbon emissions target for a second year

Friday, 08 March 2013

Insulate Hampshire has won the 'Best Local Initiative' category in the 2013 Climate Week Awards, beating competition from three other finalists: the Lake District National Park Authority, Greater London Authority and the London Borough of Camden.

The 11 strong judging panel included luminaries such as: the Met Office's Chief Scientist, Professor Julia Slingo; The Right Honourable John Gummer, Chairman of the Committee on Climate Change and Professor Paul Elkins, Professor of Energy and Environment Policy at University College London.

Insulate Hampshire was backed by all members of the Hampshire Senate plus Eastleigh and Fareham Borough Councils with funding from ScottishPower. In the judges' opinion the scheme won because: "The work they are doing to support the local community is a fantastic example of a simple yet effective solution to climate change, that not only is having a direct impact on thousands of residents, but equally has facilitated the dissemination of information on energy efficiency among the wider public."

The Climate Week Awards consider the work of the United Kingdom's most innovative, effective, and ambitious organisations, communities and individuals to combat climate change. The Awards recognise the most inspirational projects and initiatives from all across Britain.

Councillor Ken Thornber, Chairman of the Hampshire Senate says "This is excellent news and the Insulate Hampshire team deserves every credit for the scheme's achievements. Tackling fuel poverty is a priority for the Hampshire Senate, and thanks to the thousands of insulation measures installed during the scheme, households across the county have taken the opportunity to reduce their bills and at the same time improve their health and wellbeing.

"All the partners involved with Insulate Hampshire have worked hard to combat fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions through the project. This will reap benefits for Hampshire residents in helping them to save money on their fuel bills and to lower their household carbon emissions."

The Insulate Hampshire scheme has been responsible for installing over 18,600 insulation measures in Hampshire homes. As a result, Hampshire residents are expected to collectively save over £91 million in fuel bill savings and over 9,000 tonnes of CO2 over the lifespan of their insulation measures.

Award winners were announced on 4 March 2013. Climate Week is a national climate change campaign, aimed at engaging with all sectors to create a sustainable future. Climate Week 2013 runs from 4 March until 10 March.

• Climate Week Awards

Tuesday, 05 March 2013

Hampshire's Minerals and Waste Plan has reached the next stage towards adoption, with the independent Planning Inspector confirming that the Public Hearing will be resumed in Winchester for two days on 13-14 March 2013.

Following scrutiny of the draft Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan at the public examination hearings held in June 2012, the recommendations for changes to ensure the draft Plan is 'sound' (which means it is positively prepared, justified, effective and consistent with national policy) were published, with people having until 17 December 2012 to comment on the changes. This will form the focus for the resumption of the Public Hearing.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council, commented: "The Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan will play a fundamental role in protecting Hampshire's environment and communities over the next 20 years. It will ensure that the local economy is supported by enabling an adequate supply of minerals and sustainably managing Hampshire's waste. Comments received on the proposed changes to the draft Plan were submitted to the independent planning inspector for his consideration and he has concluded that the public hearing should resume, and identified the areas he wishes to be covered.

"The hearing is in public, and therefore anyone can attend and observe the proceedings but only those invited by the Planning Inspector may participate. If the Inspector decides that he has collected all the necessary evidence in March, he will close the hearing and finalise his report which will confirm whether he considers the plan to be a sound document and suitable for the Hampshire authorities to adopt as planning policy. If this is the case it will replace the current policy - the 'Hampshire Minerals and Waste Core Strategy' - and all future planning applications for minerals and waste development will be assessed and determined on the basis of the policies in the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan. This includes measures to manage and mitigate the impact of development on local communities and the surrounding environment."

Hampshire's draft Plan has been jointly prepared by the five minerals and waste planning authorities in the county, as part of their statutory responsibility for minerals and waste planning. The effects on surrounding areas have also been considered, including regular liaision with the relevant councils and communities.

• More information about the draft Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan and public examination

Thursday, 28 February 2013

The Insulate Hampshire scheme has been named as one of the finalists in the Climate Week 2013 Awards, after being shortlisted in the category of 'Best Local Initiative'.

The Climate Week Awards consider the work of the United Kingdom's most innovative, effective, and ambitious organisations, communities and individuals to combat climate change. The Awards recognise the most inspirational projects and initiatives from all across Britain.

Councillor Ken Thornber, Chairman of the Hampshire Senate says "It is very good news that Insulate Hampshire has been shortlisted for a Climate Week Award as the scheme has delivered such positive outcomes for many Hampshire residents. All the partners involved have worked hard to combat fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions through the project. Hampshire residents have been able to save money on their fuel bills as well as reduce their household carbon emissions.

"Tackling fuel poverty is a priority for the Hampshire Senate, and thanks to the thousands of insulation measures installed during the scheme, households across the county have taken positive action to reduce their bills and at the same time improve their health and wellbeing."

The Insulate Hampshire scheme has been responsible for installing over 18,600 insulation measures in Hampshire homes. As a result, Hampshire residents have collectively saved over £91 million in fuel bill savings and over 9,000 tonnes of CO2 over the lifespan of their insulation measures.

Award winners will be announced on 4 March 2013. Climate Week is a national climate change campaign, aimed at engaging with all sectors to create a sustainable future. Climate Week 2013 runs from 4 March until 10 March.

• Further information about the Climate Week Awards

Thursday, 17 January 2013

A report that sets out Hampshire County Council's proposed position on large wind turbine and wind farms on Council-owned land will be considered on 24 January 2013.

The Executive Member for Policy and Resources, Councillor Ken Thornber, whose function includes strategy for the use of resources such as Council owned land, will be asked to consider a position statement.

The decision by Council Leader, Councillor Thornber, will be in relation to the Council's role as a landowner in Hampshire, and it would provide clear guidance for scheme promoters. It also aims to recognise the often conflicting objectives between the benefits of wind power in providing clean renewable energy, and the visual and amenity impact on Hampshire's outstanding, high quality landscapes and countryside. These are important economic assets in their own right, as well as being a key aspect of the character of Hampshire.

Almost half of the County's overall landscape is protected as a result of its landscape or biodiversity importance; encompassing the New Forest and South Downs National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the North Wessex Downs, Cranborne Chase, West Wiltshire Downs and Chichester Harbour as well as a host of nature conservation sites. Outside these areas, landscapes are still sensitive to development including wind turbines or wind farms, as these are often tracts of undeveloped land between areas of existing development, or small-scale, ancient landscapes with tranquil character. The management of the County Council's rural estate, which is mostly farmland or land managed for countryside access, contributes to the character of the County's landscape and to quality of life for Hampshire residents.

The report to be considered highlights that large wind turbines and wind farms are major developments (an average on-shore wind farm of eight, 100metre high turbines can cover an area equivalent to 220 football pitches), and their introduction within rural Hampshire would have a significant impact in the countryside, and on the County's historic character. It is also considered that at present, the business case generally does not support large on-shore turbine developments, though in the future, there could be improvements to the design, technology, efficiency, operation and cost of wind turbines, which could make them a more attractive option. Therefore the County Council's position is to be kept under close scrutiny.

Councillor Thornber said: "We are completely signed up to the benefits of secure, affordable and low carbon energy and are already exploring a number of options within the Energy Strategy agreed by Cabinet at the end of last year, that would ensure Hampshire has future access to sustainable and secure energy sources. Plans are moving forward to create a District Energy Network (DEN) in Winchester to reduce carbon emissions, save money, and help reduce the energy consumption of major organisations, such as the hospital, the University, Winchester Prison, and the County and City Councils. On-shore wind power is not the only source of low carbon energy.

"The County Council is a significant landowner in Hampshire and we have a duty to ensure our land is used responsibly in the wider public interest. It is important that we carefully consider the benefits and impact of large scale wind turbines on our land, whether they might come at the expense of Hampshire's character and environment, and if they justify the loss of some of Hampshire's most prized undeveloped countryside."

The County Council is not the Local Planning Authority for wind turbines or wind farm development, and has no responsibility for making planning policy, nor for deciding planning applications for wind turbines or wind farms.

• Agenda and papers for the meeting of the Executive Member for Policy and Resources on 24 January 2013

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

An investment programme of planned roads maintenance and transport infrastructure improvement schemes, totalling £160 million over the next three years is proposed for Hampshire, subject to County Council approval on 21 February 2013.

This major investment programme aims to support the county's economy and generate business and employment expansion after a period of recession and at a time when the country is working towards economic recovery.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council said: "It is important to point out that, subject to agreement by the County Council, this programme of investment would be additional to any Government funding for specific transport schemes that the Council might win in 2013-14. We have won a number of funding bids during the past year, based on our ability to provide a sound evidence base and real examples of major scheme delivery. It will be important to ensure we build on this to secure further central Government funding for investment in Hampshire's transport infrastructure. With plans for Government to devolve further transport funding to Local Transport Boards from 2014-15 onwards, we hope to expand our investment programme further over the next few years."

Continued success in securing capital funding for transport and infrastructure from Whitehall has served to boost the level of budget available for a County Council programme of capital investment, with a spend of £60 million proposed for 2013/14 and plans for similar levels of investment over the following two years. The investment will also help the County Council maintain its expertise and delivery capacity, which help to secure and deliver future infrastructure investment to support the economy into the future.

Almost two thirds of the budget is proposed for structural maintenance of highways and bridges. This includes Operation Resilience, the County Council's long term strategy to improve the condition of Hampshire's roads so that they are more resilient and able to withstand the effects of extreme weather and rising volumes of traffic.

Major highways improvement schemes totalling £9.9million have been included in the programme over the next two years for Newgate Lane in Gosport, Black Dam roundabout in Basingstoke and Leigh Road/Passfield Avenue in Eastleigh. A further £14million is proposed in 2015/16.

Additionally, across Hampshire schemes designed to make it easier for people to walk and cycle, and encourage less reliance on the private car are in the proposed programme at a combined value of £8.5million over the three years.

The proposed programme will be considered for recommendation to the Cabinet by the Executive Member for Environment and Transport on 22 January 2013. The Leader and Cabinet, in turn, will consider the proposals and make final recommendations to the County Council on 21 February 2013.

• View a copy of the report for the proposed Capital Budget 2013/14

Tuesday, 08 January 2013

Councils across Hampshire are joining forces in a bid to help residents across Hampshire benefit from greater savings on their gas and electricity bills.

The County Council is working with other local authorities across Hampshire to set up a 'collective energy switching service' which will enable gas and electricity consumers in the county to combine their purchasing power and get a better deal on their bills.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment at Hampshire County Council, said: "This is good news for households across the county since it will mean that people who register for the scheme will possibly be able to get their gas and/or electricity at much cheaper rates than if they were buying either service as an individual customer.

"For instance, there are approximately 760,000 households in Hampshire. If two per cent sign up to switch energy supplier through our collective energy switching service, this would give a combined purchasing power of just over 15,000 customers, enabling the negotiation of greater discounts on their behalf. Clearly, the more people who sign up, the more negotiating power we will have - so it is vital as many people as possible register for the scheme.

"Being able to access cheaper energy has the potential to bring significant benefits to those on low incomes, the elderly and families in fuel poverty which in turn should have a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.

"It will also give an opportunity for greater savings to be made by those who rely on electricity alone for heating and cooking because they cannot be connected to a mains gas supply.

"Typically customers could save in the region of £60 to £200 on their energy bills by participation in collective switching. Running an energy switching scheme three times a year could lead to potential savings of up to £25 million for Hampshire residents."

To get the scheme up and running, the County Council, on behalf of the other Hampshire local authorities, is proposing to contract an intermediary organisation to manage the collective switching process. A decision on this is to be taken on 22 January 2013 at the Executive Member for Environment and Transport Decision Day. If agreed, the organisation under contract would be responsible for registering consumers, negotiating with energy companies to secure the best deal for householders and arranging the switch for each individual customer. There would be no charges to the customer or any council tax payer for this service, since the organisation's payment would come from a referral fee paid to the organisation by the energy supplier.

More details about the scheme and how people can register will be announced at the beginning of April 2013, subject to the agreement (on 22 January) to contract an agency to undertake the energy switching work, and the tender process leading to the appointment of a contractor with the required expertise, skills and resources.

Nationally, collective energy switching is supported strongly by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Local Government Association and consumer groups including Consumer Focus.

Wednesday, 19 December 2012

With weather forecast predictions for up to 60mm of rainfall this evening and overnight (19 December) and warnings about successive, heavy rain and flooding, Hampshire County Council's highways emergency response teams have been mobilised to be on stand-by for dealing with excessive surface water on the roads, flooded roads and blocked highways drains.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council, said: "According to colleagues in other agencies, Hampshire is in for extremely heavy rainfall in a relatively short space of time tonight. Our highways teams are ready with additional support from extra gully tankers, emergency response teams and tree crews on stand-by to help keep Hampshire moving, by dealing with flooding on our roads or setting up diversion routes where a road has to be closed unavoidably. We are expecting the rain to fall at its heaviest overnight so it is highly likely people's journeys will be affected in the morning.

"I would ask everyone to take particular care if they have to make a journey in these conditions. Sudden, very heavy downpours can lead to roads and pavements flooding quickly. Spare a thought too for cyclists and any pedestrians walking along the road side, so that they are not showered by puddle water thrown up from the road by moving vehicles."

"Furthermore, please heed any warning signs that are placed on the highway. Do not attempt to use fords and be extra careful driving through any road surface water as it may be difficult to judge its depth."

The County Council's Emergency Planning Team is also prepared and on standby, ready to deal with emergency situations that may arise as a consequence of the heavy rainfall.

The County Council is also asking people to report incidences of flooding on Hampshire's roads either online or by calling 0845 603 5633. People can keep updated on roads affected by severe weather by checking ROMANSE online or following them on Twitter @ROMANSE. Alternatively tune in to BBC Radio Solent and other local radio stations for traffic reports.

If anyone has concerns about any older or vulnerable people in their community during times of adverse weather, they should call: 0845 603 5630.

• Environment Agency - Flooding information

Wednesday, 19 December 2012

For a second consecutive year, Hampshire County Council has beaten its target to reduce carbon emissions from its buildings, schools, street lights and other operations.

A total of over 15,500 tonnes of carbon have now been saved since 2010, which represents good progress towards the successful achievement of the first phase of Hampshire's ambitious five year Carbon Management Plan to reduce Council carbon emissions by 20% by 2015. The milestone also takes the Council more than halfway towards its overall carbon emissions target reduction of 26,360 tonnes by that date.

The achievement is the result of a raft of measures such as reducing the number of offices the Council occupies, installing controls that reduce heating fuel consumption, as well as improved lighting and glazing, together with a smart meter programme to assess energy use across a range of County Council buildings including museums, libraries, offices and care homes.

Hampshire's schools represent around 60% of the Council's total carbon emissions, and this is where the biggest reduction in energy use has taken place (10%). This is thanks to the installation of around 1,800 smart meters to measure school electricity and gas usage, good energy consumption management, and positive changes in pupils' and staff behaviour. Staff and pupils also receive training on how to use the special software that accompanies the meters, to help them to interpret their energy use, and tie it to learning in the classroom.

To help meet targets for future years, a major boiler control programme involving 1,500 installations is due to be implemented in schools which aims to cut carbon emissions by around 3,200 tonnes by 2013/14. Further work will also go ahead to install more energy efficient streetlights across Hampshire; building on the positive progress that has already been made in this area.

Work is also progressing to develop an Energy Performance Programme to improve the energy efficiency of wider County Council buildings and further reduce their carbon emissions. Meanwhile, plans are moving forward to create a District Energy Network (DEN) to reduce carbon emissions, save money, and help reduce the energy consumption of major organisations in Winchester such as the hospital, University, prison, the County Council and City Council.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, said: "Hampshire is one of the largest councils in the country with around 5,000 buildings, 150,000 street lights and illuminated signs, and over 5,000 miles of roads, so to deliver and exceed our Carbon Reduction Plan target for a second consecutive year is a real accomplishment.

"As well as the clear environmental benefits from lower carbon emissions, the associated reductions in energy costs that we will experience in future should also be welcomed. The total reduction in carbon emissions we have achieved so far means we have reduced our energy bill by £1.5million, mainly because less heating fuel is now needed. With fuel prices predicted to rise again in years to come, the positive steps we have already taken to cut our energy use will help us to lower our energy bills in future, and plough those savings back into providing local services to the people of Hampshire."

• Hampshire County Council's Carbon Management Plan