Residents across
Lancashire could save more than £2m as part of a county-wide community energy
switching scheme which launched in February. The initiative called ‘People
Power’ is led by the 13 local councils which could see energy savings of
up to £250 per household over the year, if the target of just 15,000
residents sign up to the scheme. They are almost there.
Residents are therefore being urged to review their bills and combine their purchasing power in the innovative scheme to ensure they get the very best energy deal possible. Register at www.peoplepower.co.uk (part of the Big Community Switch) before midnight on Monday 8 April giving details of your most recent energy usage to express your interest in joining the scheme.
As
the old adage goes ‘there is strength in numbers’ and by coming
together as one collective there are significant savings to be made
through People Power and the bulk buying approach. The principle is
tried and tested but this is the first time it is being run by the
councils across Lancashire and it could have a significant impact on the
cost of heating and lighting homes which is even more important during
the current economic downturn which has seen household bills increase by
40% since 2007 and amid fears of higher bills in the future.
There
is no obligation from registering your interest in the scheme, as
registering includes you in the collective group taken to auction on 9th
April where energy suppliers will bid for the business which residents
can either accept or decline. The more residents that are registered
with the scheme naturally makes this a
more attractive proposition for the utility firms, effectively achieving
considerable economies of scale with significant savings passed to the
consumer.
Councillor Eileen Blamire, Leader of Lancaster City Council
said: “This Lancashire wide scheme is an excellent example of how, by
working together, your local councils are helping people save money from
their energy bills. Energy costs take up a large proportion of
household incomes so any money we can help people save will be helpful
during these difficult times. I would urge residents to sign up to the
scheme and ask their families to do the same. This way we will be able
to get the best deal from the energy companies.”
The
People Power scheme is targeted at all residents in Lancashire,
although anyone outside of the county can also register to be a part of
it. The scheme is also open to residents who use pre-payment metres.
Whilst registration is easiest online, those who don’t have email
access should contact their local council about where to register.
Furthermore, one email address can be used five times to allow
for additional family members, friends or neighbours with no internet or
emails accessibility.
• Register your interest at www.peoplepower.co.uk before midnight 8 April 2013