39 schools and NHS sites across South East to save on their energy bills through Great British Energy Richard Quigley MP has welcomed the news that 39 schools and NHS sites across the South East will receive funding from Great British Energy to install solar panels, saving thousands of pounds on energy bills, has been warmly welcomed.
St Mary’s Hospital will receive over £70,000 to install solar panels, a major move toward cutting energy costs for local public services on the Island. The step marks the first major project from GB energy, the Labour Government’s publicly owned energy company. It will provide solar panel installations for 10 schools and 29 NHS sites across the South East, including the Isle of Wight and Hampshire.
Could save as much as £25,000 a year
It’s estimated that each school could save as much as £25,000 a year, while the solar panels across NHS sites are poised to generate significant savings for local hospitals over time. This initiative presents a vital opportunity to strengthen Britain’s energy independence, ensuring a more stable and affordable energy future.
By taking decisive action, we can reduce the NHS’s annual energy costs—which have doubled to £1.4 billion since 2019—while also easing the burden on schools and hospitals. Investing in secure, sustainable energy will help protect vital public services from volatile energy prices and build a more resilient future.
£12m for clean energy projects
In addition to this announcement, the Government has unveiled £12 million in funding to help local authorities and community groups develop clean energy projects, including onshore wind, rooftop solar, and hydropower.
The first solar panels are expected to be up and running by the end of summer 2025, marking an important milestone toward a more sustainable and cost-effective energy future for public services in the South East.
Quigley: Government’s commitment to strengthening IW healthcare
Richard Quigley, Labour MP for Isle of Wight West, said,
“This is a fantastic investment for the South East, and the funding for St Mary’s Hospital highlights this government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare on the Isle of Wight.
“Through Great British Energy, Labour is delivering on its Plan for Change by strengthening our energy independence, investing in public services, and ensuring lower bills for our communities.”
News shared by the office of Richard Quigley MP. Ed
