Residents invited to find out about energy savings as community scheme is launched

Residents in St Budeaux are invited to find out about how they could save money on their fuel bills with the launch of Plymouth Energy Community’s switching scheme on Wednesday 17 July.

The free event, which will take place at Maine Gardens between 9am and 11am, will offer local residents the chance to learn more about the energy switching scheme and the benefits it could bring.

Alongside this, staff from Plymouth City Council, Affinity Sutton and Plymouth Community Homes will be on hand to offer information and advice on other topics such as how to make homes more energy efficient and the recent changes to the benefits system.

Plymouth Energy Community is a members’ co-operative run by local people to help those who live or work in Plymouth save money on their fuel bills, reduce their energy usage and consider using renewable energy, of which the Council has plans to generate.

Working on behalf of its members the co-operative will negotiate with energy companies to find the cheapest suppliers and tariffs for its members.

Based on their individual energy bill, each member will received a personal offer to switch to a better energy deal, which they can then decide whether to accept or not.

Plymouth City Council claims that what makes Plymouth Energy Community’s switching scheme different to others is that it is the first in the country to be open to all households, including those who are on key or pre-payment meters who often have to pay a higher price for their fuel.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Co-operatives and Community Development, said: “The beauty of co-operatives is that it lets people take control and in this case of their own energy bills. Currently there can be very little choice of supplier and often high tariffs for people paying for their energy by key meters and the Plymouth Energy Community can help address this.

“It’s wrong that the poorest people in our city are generally paying more for their energy. We want everyone to know that this scheme allows these people to stand up and say “NO MORE” and switch to a cheaper way.

“It’s not just about people that pre-pay for their energy though – everyone in the city can benefit, this is a scheme for direct debit and bill payers too.

“As people start paying less for their electricity and gas, less people will be living in fuel poverty and be able to have a better way of life.”

The Residents’ Information Event on Wednesday will mark the official start of the switching scheme. From this point anyone living in Plymouth will be able to register to see if they can save on their bills. The official switch-over will take place later in the year.

Over the next few months the co-operative will be working with the local housing associations, advice organisations and other community groups to help spread the word on how people can save money on their energy bills and reduce their energy consumption. There are also plans to introduce other eco projects to help homes and businesses become more energy efficient.

To find out more about the switching scheme and to register to switch, visit www.plymouthenergycommunity.com or call 01752 477 067.