New Cornwall Council plan targets energy bills and warmer homes

What Cornwall Council’s New Plan Could Mean for Your Energy Bills

Climate change is no longer a problem for the future. According to Cornwall Council, it’s already here, hitting homes, communities and the local economy right now. And the authority reckons it has a plan to do something about it.

The council has launched a new climate and energy plan it says will deliver more clean local energy, warmer homes, sustainable travel and support for organisations looking to cut both carbon emissions and energy bills.

The plan also sets out the next stage of the council’s response to the climate emergency, with the authority promising to lead the way in reducing emissions across its own estate and operations. It’s calling on residents and businesses to work together to achieve what it describes as the economic, environmental and social benefits of tackling climate change for Cornwall.

Why now

Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for environment and climate change, Cllr Loic Rich, said the effects are already being felt across the Duchy.

“We are now seeing the impacts of climate change all around us, these are no longer distant threats, they are affecting our communities, our homes, and our economy today. At the same time, global events have exposed how vulnerable we are to energy insecurity. Rising fuel prices and supply disruptions have driven up living costs, affecting households and businesses across Cornwall. This has made clear that our energy security, climate goals, and economic wellbeing are deeply interconnected.”

Loic said residents had made their views clear through consultation work on the Local Area Energy Plan and Nature Recovery Strategy.

“We know our residents expect us to act – through extensive engagement with our residents, businesses, and partners – in the development of the Local Area Energy Plan and Nature Recovery Strategy – it’s clear that support for climate and nature action across Cornwall remains consistently high.”

He added that the wider goal was to improve daily life, not just hit carbon targets.

“We’re taking climate action to create wider positive outcomes for Cornwall such as lowering energy bills, promoting affordable transport and building healthier communities. These benefits can inspire positive behaviour change and gain support for climate initiatives.”

The four missions

The plan comes after the council’s cabinet committee reiterated its commitment to action and leadership on climate, while acknowledging the need for national policy support, new finance models and strong partnerships across Cornwall’s key sectors.

It’s built around four missions aligned with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Area Energy Plan. They are: delivering more affordable, secure and clean local energy; making Cornwall’s homes and buildings warmer, healthier and more energy efficient; enabling easier, more sustainable travel while reducing congestion and pollution; and supporting Cornwall’s key industry, waste and agriculture sectors to cut carbon.

The climate and energy plan will be followed by the launch of the council’s new nature recovery action plan next month.

You can find out more about the plan on Cornwall Council’s website.