People-power leads to energy savings buzz

POWER to the people (l-r): Caroline Flint MP launches the Energy Co-operative, with Councillor Arooj Shah and deputy council leader Shoab Akhtar

OLDHAM is leading the way in driving down energy prices by urging councils across the country to sign up to a revolutionary new scheme.

The groundbreaking Energy Co-operative is a collective energy-switching campaign: householders club together to bulk-buy gas and electricity, saving each household up to £150 a year.

The Council initiative was unveiled by shadow secretary of state for energy Caroline Flint MP.

Council chiefs are promoting the benefits to local authorities nationally, so as many as possible can be signed up for bigger potential savings.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has agreed in principle to back the idea and will hear a full report on October 26. If approved, the 10 authorities in Greataer Manchester — around 1.2 million households - could significantly swell the purchasing power of the co-op.

Ms Flint said: “It’s great to see Oldham Council using its influence to help people to, in effect, help themselves. It really is a breakthrough in beating the rising cost of gas and electricity.”

Around 5,000 Oldham households are expected to sign up, after which an energy broker will auction the contract among energy providers. Individuals aren’t bound by the decision taken - those who stay will receive a 12-month fixed-price contract.

Assistant Cabinet member, Councillor Arooj Shah, said: ““This collective scheme is a fantastic opportunity for us all to help residents to join forces and get themselves a fairer deal.”

Locals on prepayment plans and credit meters are all eligible.

Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon has written to councils up and down the country urging them to join in.

He said: “There are other energy co-operative schemes currently being promoted but — unlike those — this one sees the ‘finder’s fee’ returned to participating authorities, which can be used to create a community dividend.

“If five per cent of households signed up that would see around £600,000 annually ploughed back.”

Learn more or register at local libraries and district town halls. A freephone number — 0800-048 8116 — will be available from Monday.


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