27.04.17
Council-led energy company aims to tackle fuel poverty in Liverpool
A not-for-profit energy company has been set up in Liverpool that aims to save residents hundreds of pounds and tackle fuel poverty in the area.
Named the Liverpool Energy Community Company, or LECCY for short, the organisation is hoping to provide a cheaper alternative for gas and electricity in Liverpool besides the Big Six companies.
It will also offer advice to residents on cutting down their energy bill, including encouraging them to move away from expensive pre-payment metres and on to more reasonable direct debit tariffs.
LECCY is also working with Liverpool City Council and Robin Hood Energy, the company who have since 2015 been running a similar scheme for people living in Nottingham, to drive the initiative.
It is predicted that anyone signed on to the system, which already has interest from more than 1,000 people, could save an average of £250 a year compared to prices offered by bigger companies.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “One in three households in Liverpool pay over the odds for their gas and electricity because they have prepayment meters which are far more expensive than other tariffs.
“By setting up a not-for-profit company, we can offer really competitive rates,” he argued. “We’re not out to make a profit for shareholders like other energy suppliers, and will instead focus on delivering the best value for local people.”
Anderson also vowed that the company would not offer “gimmicks” of introductory loss leaders, but provide good-value tariffs and help people to get the best deal for them.
“This is part of our commitment to supporting residents in difficult times, helping them save money to offset the impact of austerity,” he said.
LECCY has also stated that in providing cheaper energy and helping people get off pre-payment meters, it hopes to create a future where no one has to decide between food or fuel.
Alan Clark, a Nottingham City councillor and chair of the Robin Hood Energy Board, stated: “We’re delighted to announce this partnership with LECCY.
“We have a shared aim to provide affordable energy to all households locally and to help tackle fuel poverty.”
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