23.04.18
Councils urged to reduce energy bills by switching from ‘Big Six’
No local authority in Britain has switched to a fully renewable energy supplier, according to new research.
Nine out of 10 councils are supplied by one of the “Big Six” or an oil supermajor, at a cost of over £863m.
A Freedom of Information (FoI) request by energy supplier, Bulb, found that councils, including some who have previously expressed support for renewable energy, are not going green themselves.
But, in contrast, 20% of households have switched to a smaller energy firm.
The research also found that there are large variations in what councils are paying in energy bills, with residents paying between from £4.99 a year to £165.56 a year, suggesting that energy bills could be reduced if councils shop around.
The company is asking residents to write to their local councils to call on them to commit to switching to a renewable energy supplier.
Caitlin Burbridge, a community organiser with Citizens UK, said: “Councils have a responsibility to seek the best value for money for their residents, and spending on energy should be no different.
“With many smaller suppliers offering cheaper tariffs, and often green energy, councils should look to shop around rather than continue to stick with the Big Six.”
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