The government has launched a consultation on a microgeneration strategy for household and business use of green technologies less than 50 kW in size, and heat generating technologies less than 300 kW in size.

The plans are parts of a move to overturn a ban on councils selling green electricity into the national grid.

And follow Last week’s Government’s announcement of plans to repeal the 1976 Local Government Act by the end of the year, so that local councils could be allowed to sell electricity they produce from renewables to the national electricity grid.

Through microgeneration homes, schools and businesses can get cash payments through the ‘feed-in tariff’ for producing their own green electricity through solar panels or small wind turbines, as well as for selling it to the national grid.

Climate change minister, Greg Barker, estimates around 100,000 homes and organisations have installed green technology so far and he wants to develop the industry, create more job opportunities, and make sure customers can trust the green technology they buy.

Mr Barker said: “I want to see more homes, communities and businesses generating their own energy. We can literally bring power back to the people.

“By becoming more self sufficient we can create sustainable local energy economies.

“People and communities can save money on their fuel bills at the same time as generating an income and cutting carbon.

“I want to work with industry to overcome the challenges it is facing. Together we will create a marketplace for jobs and prosperity alongside products and advice which people trust.”

The consultation on the Microgeneration Strategy will look at four key areas for development:

· Quality: ensure consumers have confidence that equipment and installation is reliable and adheres to the highest standards;

· Technology: examine how to improve products through more trialling of technologies new to the UK;

· Skills: develop the microgeneration supply chain to ensure it is properly equipped with the right people to meet the expected rise in demand, as well as creating and sustaining jobs in the UK;

· Advice: provide more accessible advice and information about microgeneration to homeowners, communities and small businesses.

Those wanting to contribute to the consultation should email: microgenconsult@decc.gsi.gov.uk the consultation will close on December 22, 2010.

Luke Walsh

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