Supporters of Britain's hugely generous solar panel subsidy
scheme were thrown a lifeline today after the High Court agreed to hear an
application for permission to challenge a decision that would see it scaled
back.
Friends of the Earth and two solar companies will argue
their case at a hearing on Thursday 15 December.
An earlier High Court ruling, on 25 November, rejected
permission for a legal challenge.
But FoE will argue again that the Government's decision to
dramatically reduce the amount paid by 'feed-in tariffs' - on 12 December - is
unlawful because the Government is currently running a consultation into the
system that will not end until 23 December.
It will also ask the court to cap its potential legal costs
for the case because, it says, international rules specify that costs should be
limited in public interest cases on the environment.
Andy Atkins, FoE director, said: 'We strongly believe
Government plans to abruptly slash solar subsidies are illegal, we hope the
High Court agrees to allow our case to be heard as soon as possible.
'In a time of economic gloom, the solar industry has been
one of the UK's brightest success stories, enabling homes and communities
across the country to free themselves from expensive fossil fuels.'
More than 14,000 households registered for the scheme in
October, the last time full figures were published, taking the total to 90,000.
It compares with just 2,000 home registering in October 2010.
But November's full-month figures are expected to show
another 40,000 households have taken advantage of the scheme, taking the total
to 130,000.
Changes to the scheme were announced on 31 October, sparking
a rush to beat the 12 December deadline.
Urban Energy are delighted that nearly half the population would like to install renewable energy technologies; what worries us is the lack of awareness surrounding it. To bridge the Green Gap it’s essential we continue to educate consumers and break down some of the myths surrounding the Green Deal, energy efficiency and microgeneration.
Urban Energy has earned a reputation as the south’s leading renewable energy specialist. This has been achieved by ensuring that from the initial point of client contact we offer 1st class customer service and care.
We only install products that lead the way within the renewable energy industry and that are renowned for their high quality and ecologically sound production. This reflects our own high standards and quality assurance.
We understand that introducing a renewable energy system to either your home or business is an investment that lasts for many years. With our in-house electrical and plumbing division it is our promise to you the customer that your satisfaction and peace of mind throughout this period is our number one priority.
For further information about Urban Energy products and services:
Call: 0800 232 1624
Email: info@urbanenergy.org.uk
Website: http://www.urbanenergy.org.uk/
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