Candelaria Approves Bylaws for First Energy Community
Candelaria City Council has approved the bylaws for its first local energy community, an "essential step" towards a new EU-aligned energy model promoting sustainability, self-consumption, and community benefits.
The Candelaria City Council has approved plans to create its first energy community, including its rules (bylaws). The local government called this an "essential step" towards officially starting this community and launching a new local energy model they've been working on.
This move aligns with the European Union's goals to reduce carbon emissions and create a greener energy system, giving a bigger role to local communities and energy users. To help with this, the Canary Islands government offered grants, funded by the EU's Next Generation EU program, to encourage the setup and running of these energy communities.
Candelaria City Council is receiving some of this funding because it committed to setting up and joining this local energy community, which was a condition for getting the regional government's aid.
Like similar projects elsewhere on the island, this energy community serves a clear public purpose and benefits everyone. It aims to encourage people to use renewable energy, cut down on pollution, help those struggling with energy costs, and create a more democratic energy system where everyone can participate. It will also boost the local economy and community by creating new opportunities, attracting investment, and strengthening social ties.
The approved rules describe the community as a non-profit group that is open, inclusive, and transparent. Its main goals include making the municipality more energy sustainable, encouraging residents, businesses, and the local government to produce and use their own renewable energy, and reducing carbon emissions. It also aims to help vulnerable households with their energy needs, promote sustainable transport, and install renewable energy systems and energy-saving projects.
With the bylaws now approved, work can officially begin on this important project. The municipal government said that Candelaria is now part of a growing movement of local initiatives creating a cleaner, fairer, and more community-focused energy system. This helps meet European goals and contributes to a real energy transition right from the local level.
Other towns, like Adeje and El Rosario, already have successful energy communities up and running, according to their local councils.