Moray MP Douglas Ross welcomed Forres-based renewable energy firm AES Solar to Westminster last week where he hosted a meeting with Energy Minister Claire Perry to discuss the UK’s future energy policy.
Douglas said: “The Minister agreed to meet with George Goudsmit and Josh King of Forres based AES Solar after a recent question I raised with her in the House of Commons. They wanted reassurances that the Government will take into account the results of a recent consultation which will help formulate policy for suppliers. Thry also rightly raised the impact of a policy which begins today (Monday) where the government have failed to announce a bridge between the old and new policy. This is something I am continuing to press the Minister on this week.
“We had a very positive meeting with the Minister who was keen to hear their views and I hope, with this greater understanding from a Moray-based business, we can see a positive decision for smaller scale solar companies such as AES Solar.”
George Goudsmit, Managing Director of AES Solar, said it was a fantastic meeting and he was extremely grateful to Douglas for organising it.
He said: “We have huge appreciation towards Douglas Ross and the effort he went to in order to secure this vital meeting with Claire Perry. A meeting of this nature is highly desirable within the industry and despite the politically active timing we felt our views, concerns and ambitions for the industry were listened to and valued by all involved.”
Josh King, Operations Manager at AES Solar added “We understand that solar requires to be subsidy free, and it absolutely can be thanks to falling component prices and increasing energy demand. However, the policy gap still exists and we don’t know the finer details of the Smart Export Guarantee which needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. We look forward to future dialogue and the outcome of the consultation responses.”
Douglas added: “I’m pleased that George and Josh found the meeting worthwhile. AES Solar offers valuable local employment and skills training and it was good to be able to facilitate this high-level meeting for them.”