Saturday October 5 2024
Swindon & Wiltshire News
Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg visited the Chippenham HQ of renewable electricity supplier Good Energy this week, heralding the company as an example of how smaller energy suppliers are successfully challenging existing utilities and providing real choice for consumers.
He met Good Energy founder and chief executive Juliet Davenport, who set up the company nearly 15 years ago, before being taken on a tour of the office to meet many of the 250-strong workforce.
The leader of the Liberal Democrats paid tribute to Good Energy’s contribution in helping Britain generate record levels of renewable energy.
“It was great to visit the Good Energy offices today. Good Energy is one of a growing number of smaller energy companies that are challenging the big players and increasing competition in the market. They also play an important role in supporting the local economy in Chippenham,” he said.
“We need a strong renewable energy sector in the UK to help reduce our foreign imports of energy, improve our energy security and to tackle climate change. With around 15 percent of Britain’s electricity now coming from clean renewable sources like wind, solar and hydro, Good Energy is one company that is making a real difference.”
Juliet Davenport said: “It’s important for us to be able to talk policy makers like the deputy prime minister, so I was very pleased he came to visit us at our offices here in Wiltshire.
“We must have continued support from the country’s leaders to continue to reduce our dependency of fossil fuels.
“People are concerned about the UK’s reliance on imports of foreign fuels used for generating electricity. Renewable energy is very popular with the public. Government research shows that 80 percent of people support the use of renewables to provide electricity, fuel and heat for our country.”
Mr Clegg was accompanied by Chippenham MP Duncan Hames, who said: “I am delighted to welcome the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to Chippenham and to local company Good Energy.
“I am proud to have Good Energy, a leading renewable electricity company, headquartered in my constituency.
“Good Energy’s mission to increase the use of renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions shows the energy sector the way to meeting the country’s commitments on preventing climate change.”
