In September ASC Renewables submitted a planning application for an eight turbine windfarm at Bishopthorpe and a planning decision is expected from East Lindsey District Council in the next few months.
Approximately 500 homes neighbouring the windfarm site would qualify for a discount of at least £100 per year under the company’s Green Energy Credit scheme. The scheme would run for the windfarm’s expected 25 year lifetime and would require no change of electricity supplier.
Mike Denny, ASC’s operations director, told The Louth Leader: “After listening to the community during our on-going local consultations, a clear message emerged that there is a real appetite for reduced electricity bills against the backdrop of rising energy costs.
“We are launching the Green Energy Credit Scheme to directly address this point for homes neighbouring our windfarms. We are proud of the fact that we are one of the first companies in the UK to offer this.”
A company statement said: “The Green Energy Credit Scheme is in addition to ASC’s Community Benefit Fund of £50,000 per year, and will mean that UK based ASC is doubling its community contributions to £100,000 per year – one of the highest in the UK for a windfarm of this size.
“When taken in conjunction with an anticipated annual payment of £250,000 in local business rates and a projected £6-8m of supply chain opportunities for local companies during construction, the windfarm could provide up to £17m in local economic benefit during its lifetime.
“Over the coming months, ASC will be working with the community, the council and the Lincolnshire Community Foundation to identify local projects that can be supported by the Community Benefit Fund.
“ASC is committed to working in partnership with local people and exploring new ways in which our windfarms can bring tangible benefits to the communities hosting them. We recognise the challenges facing our communities in the current economic downturn and hope to make a real difference by helping residents reduce their energy spend and by funding local projects.”