Today (10 February 2026) the Government have launched the latest wave of GB Energy investment.

The announcement, backed by up to £1 billion from Great British Energy, represents the largest ever public investment in community energy, aimed at putting ownership, savings and revenues back into local hands. Ministers say the plan will support rooftop solar on schools, hospitals, libraries, leisure centres and community buildings, while also helping local groups develop their own projects with funding, technical support and new business models.

Locally, the benefits of GB Energy are already being felt. Five Middlesbrough schools, including Sunnyside Academy in Coulby Newham and Middlesbrough College, have received GB Energy funding for solar panels, with estimated lifetime bill savings running into the thousands.

Last year, Tees, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Trust (TEWV) also received over £1m from GB Energy for solar panels at Roseberry Park and other Middlesbrough sites. Today, GB Energy have granted an additional £600,000 to install LED lighting at Roseberry Park. These investments will cut bills and create savings that can be reinvested into frontline services.

In Parliament today, Luke pressed ministers to go further, urging them to meet him to discuss expanding support to more local services so they can cut bills.