Jack Brereton MP has welcomed the news that thousands of council tenants in Stoke-on-Trent will now have the option to withdraw from controversial solar power energy contracts.
Since energy provider, Solarplicity, started installing solar panels on roofs in Stoke-on-Trent now known as the Community Energy Scheme, Jack Brereton MP has been inundated with resident complaints against the company. Jack Brereton MP first raised resident concerns with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy back in 2019 and has repeatedly been raising concerns on behalf of residents with the Community Energy Scheme, the City Council and Ofgem.
It has now come as welcome news that thousands of Stoke-on-Trent residents will have the option of withdrawing from the controversial contracts.
Thousands of residents will receive, if not already received, a letter from the Community Energy Scheme offering three options. The three options being offered to residents are:
- Contact the Community Energy Scheme to cancel the contract by completing the “End of Supply Form” with the letter and allow the CES to access to put the system on export only.
- Contacting the Community Energy Scheme, to agree to the terms and conditions of a new Power Purchase Agreement Contract.
- If you do nothing, you will stay on the current Power Purchase Agreement Contract.
The three options are explained in more detail in the letter residents will receive from the Community Energy Scheme. Residents must notify them of their decision within 45 days of receiving their letter. If residents need to contact the Community Energy Scheme to discuss their options or to change their current contract, they can email them at: [email protected] or telephone: 01782 389184.
Jack Brereton MP said:
“Since 2019, I have received nearly 100 complaints from distraught residents regarding Solarplicity and the Community Energy Scheme. The extremely poor customer service experienced, and needless worry caused to so many has been utterly disgraceful.
I have met with government ministers, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and Ofgem, on a continuous basis to try and find a resolution for residents. Since receiving the news that residents will be offered the chance to withdraw their contracts, as part of a three-option offer, I have confirmed this myself, with the Chief Executive of the Community Energy Scheme, David Elbourne.
This will be hugely welcome and well overdue news for thousands of council residents in Stoke-on-Trent who should never have been put in this position. I urge residents to read through their letters and consider the best option for them moving forward. My office and I remain ready to assist any constituents who may require further assistance.”
Ofgem is continuing to conduct an investigation into Community Energy Scheme UK’s sales and customer service practices.
For constituents in Stoke-on-Trent South who need support with raising concerns about the Community Energy Scheme you can contact Jack Brereton MP by phone: 01782 922525 emailing: [email protected]
