Catherine McKinnell MP has welcomed the news that 48 schools and NHS sites across the North East are to receive funding from Great British Energy to fit solar panels, saving thousands of pounds on their energy bills.
Due to failure under the previous Government, schools and hospitals are being hit with sky-high energy bills. To address this, the programme will fund solar panels for 200 schools and 200 NHS sites across the country, including 44 schools and 4 NHS sites across the North East.
This investment could see millions of pounds invested back into frontline services, with lifetime saving for schools and the NHS of up to £400 million over around 30 years.
The programme marks the first major project for the Labour Government’s publicly owned energy company. The first panels are expected to be delivered by the end of the summer.
In addition to this new project, the Government has announced that £12m will be set aside for local authorities and community energy groups to build local clean energy projects – including onshore wind turbines, rooftop solar panels and hydropower.
The Government is also providing £6.8 million for Local Net Zero Hubs in England to support Great British Energy to develop local clean power projects.
Catherine commented:
“I am thrilled that schools and NHS sites across the North East will save thousands of pounds on their energy bills due to solar panels funded by Great British Energy.
“The Labour Government is dedicated to combatting climate change, and ensuring public services can deliver for communities in Newcastle North and across the country – boosting our energy independence, investing in our public services and delivering lower bills.”
