An arms-length organisation was agreed to be set up at Aberdeen City Council’s Full Council which would manage all of its energy-related activity. Councillors agreed after a vote the recommendations that an interim informal Working Group led by a project manager will be set up and will take forward the development of a detailed business plan. The Working Group would include relevant internal energy experts, elected members including two from the administrating and one from opposition, and representatives from ACC’s legal and finance services. The Energy Services Company (ESCo) would be an arms-length external organisation (ALEO) wholly owned by the Council to manage all energy related activity undertaken by ACC with the option to expand and develop energy related services over time.
Aberdeen City Council 17th Aug 2016 read more »
The council said the company could potentially be involved in the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of energy, as well as supporting services such as energy efficiency, energy savings, renewable energy and emissions reductions. However, whether the company will be a public sector organisation, private sector organisation or a joint venture between two or more organisations has yet to be decided. The new council is also yet to confirm whether the venture will operate on a for profit or on a not for profit basis. Costs of preparing the business plan – which will include a proposed structure for the company, as well as staff, funding and resource requirements – are expected to be in the region of £30,000-£45,000, the council said. The plans for an energy firm follow the unveiling of Aberdeen’s sustainable energy action plan, which was approved by the council in May with the aim of reducing carbon emissions across the city by 31 per cent by 2020 and 50 per cent by 2030 against a 2005 baseline. Initiatives included in the plan include the development of an energy from waste combined heat and power plant at Tullos, as well as an anaerobic digestion facility and energy centre that are being developed as part of Aberdeen’s plans for a new conference centre.
Business Green 19th August 2016 read more »