Rotherham Council is seeking a new energy partner to help deliver a scheme designed to cut residents electricity bills and help them go green.
A new tendering process to help deliver the community energy switching scheme will begin in August, if plans are approved by Rotherham Cabinet on Monday 20 July.
A tender was originally carried out last year and a not-for-profit partner organisation was identified. However, subsequent changes within the organisation meant a contract was not agreed.
Through the scheme, an average 3 bed semi-detached household could save up to £300 per year on their gas and electricity bills, as well as helping residents to lower their energy consumption.
The report to next week’s Cabinet meeting suggests that the scheme would be open to registrations from April 2021. The scheme would be available to all Rotherham residents and aims to support those with a low household income.
Alongside this, a switching scheme is being proposed to provide immediate support to help residents reduce their energy bills. This scheme will help households understand their bills, compare the market and assist in switching suppliers.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Councillor Denise Lelliott, said: “Fuel poverty still remains a significant issue for lots of our residents. This scheme, once it is up and running, would give us a real opportunity to make a significant difference.
“Although it was disappointing we could not secure a partner last year, our commitment to helping residents reduce their bills and help the environment remains. The process provided a valuable insight into the current energy market which will be used in the revised proposals to better benefit those who take up the scheme.”
The Council will not make any financial gain from the scheme, with all benefits of lower tariffs falling to residents.
The report is to be considered by Cabinet next Monday. View the report.