Cambridgeshire Constabulary is set to save thousands of pounds in
energy costs following the installation of new solar canopies and
panels at its Huntingdon headquarters, funded through £700,000
secured by the Combined Authority from the Department for Energy
Security and Net Zero via the Great British Energy's Mayoral
Renewable Energy Fund.
Mayor and Police and Crime
Commissioner Daryl Preston visited the site yesterday to mark the
project's completion. The Constabulary is now using more than 90%
of the energy generated on-site, significantly reducing bills and
freeing up resources to reinvest into frontline policing
priorities.
The project was developed with support from the Greater South
East Net Zero Hub (GSENZ) and 7F Commercial Services, who worked
alongside CPCA and DESNZ to deliver with a 390kW solar
installation.
This is the first solar canopy project of its kind across the
seven eastern region police forces, with the intention of using
it as a blueprint to scale similar schemes and strengthen energy
resilience across the wider policing network.
Mayor said:
Energy prices have been rising sharply, and public services like
policing feel that pressure just as much as households. By
installing solar canopies, the funding is helping Cambridgeshire
Constabulary cut costs and reinvest those savings into keeping
our communities safe.
I'm delighted that we were successful in securing the Great
British Energy's Mayoral Renewable Fund for the Constabulary
which will contribute to their energy resilience protecting them
from energy price increases and that the savings will be used to
reinvest in their services.
Police and Crime Commissioner, added:
As a large organisation at the centre of community life, it's
important the Constabulary does what it can to create
opportunities to protect our limited resources, ultimately saving
taxpayers money and creating a cleaner environment for future
generations.
I would like to thank Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined
Authority, Great British Energy and colleagues from our 7-force
partnership who have helped us reach this important milestone and
also partners at the Greater Southeast Net Zero Hub for their
advice throughout the grant application process.
Energy Minister said:
Great British Energy is helping your local police constabulary to
cut their energy bills with clean, homegrown solar power.
This is our clean energy mission in action, supporting public
services through lower bills for communities in Cambridgeshire
and across the UK.
