Residents call for action on energy costs and fossil fuels

Frome residents are calling for action to reduce energy bills and improve energy security for local communities.

Members of two groups, Frome Families For The Future and Sustainable Frome, gathered on 31st July to hold a protest calling for action.

The action comes following recent extreme heat in the UK and the announcement of an Energy Independence Bill, which the residents are arguing provides an opportunity for the UK to embrace renewable energy and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

Vicki Chillcott said, “Families across Frome are struggling with their energy bills. We need energy independence so we can avoid these spikes. Renewables are cheaper and cleaner. The new extreme heat records in June showed the climate crisis is here and we can’t afford to make a bad situation even worse by failing to move away from fossil fuels fast enough. It’s time we embrace renewables with the determination this moment requires.”

The groups say they hope to send a clear message to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, with residents writing to MP Anna Sabine outlining their concerns.

The letter highlights what the groups describe as a double crisis facing communities such as Frome, with families affected by rising energy costs and the impacts of climate change.

Vicki said, “Not only do families have to try to keep their kids warm in the winter, but they are also now facing the struggle of having to keep their homes cool in the summer.”

The groups are calling for an immediate halt to new oil and gas extraction, including the Rosebank project, a proposed oil and gas field in the North Sea, and for the government’s commitment to end new oil and gas licences to be upheld and legislated.

They are also calling for the transition to renewable energy to be accelerated.

The letter states, “Recent events involving the Strait of Hormuz have demonstrated the devastating economic consequences of our reliance on global fossil fuel markets. The Energy Independence Bill could offer a pathway out of this vulnerability for our communities.”

“Every new fossil fuel project we approve locks us into further warming that will disproportionately impact the young people within our community.”

Frome resident Susie Jenkins Temple said, “We’re sending a clear message that our community stands united in demanding action. This is about protecting our community against further energy shocks, avoiding the cost of inaction while keeping our climate stable.”