A MULTI-million pound solar farm the size of 15 football pitches is set to be built in Rugby in a bid to slash fuel bills.
The 22 acre site at Dunsmore Home Farm near Clifton is one of four proposed by Warwickshire County Council (WCC) to help reduce energy costs.
They are also looking at sites in Ryton Pools, Barford, Stockton and Shipston.
The council plans to combat fuel poverty by working alongside an energy company to offer cheaper options than the ‘big six’ firms such as British Gas, nPower and ScottishPower.
WCC cabinet members have approved plans which will see the £3million solar farm built in Clifton – if approved by Rugby Borough Council’s planning committee.
The land off Lilbourne Road is currently used for grazing sheep, which could continue after the solar farm is built.
Councillors expect to make a £4.5million return on the farms during the 30 year span of the project.
Coun Matt Western, who spearheaded the plans, told the Observer: “Having first proposed the Warwickshire Energy Plan over two years ago, I’m delighted this decision has finally been taken. Everyone in our community should benefit greatly from this plan as it will lead to lower electricity and gas prices across the local market.
“For many years the big six energy companies have been taking advantage of customers through opaque tariff choices while stifling competition in the market – keeping prices high and not fully passing on wholesale savings when the price of gas and electricity has gone down.
“Soon residents in Warwickshire will have another choice, one which should save all households a significant amount of money each year.
“The ambitious plan aims to eliminate fuel poverty which affects almost 30,000 households in Warwickshire. This will go a long way in helping to deliver that.
“It now needs the support of district and borough councils to make it viable and it is hoped that this will be achieved in the coming months.”
The not-for-profit project would see the council work with an energy supplier to offer cheaper gas and electricity. Together they would create their own brand – which councillors suggest could be ‘Warwickshire Energy’.
Councillors also say the project would create jobs and drive down other tariffs in the area.
If the plans are given the go-ahead, work is scheduled to start early next year.
