January 15, 2014 9.34 am This story is over 122 months old

Lincolnshire councils offer lower energy prices

Cheaper bills: District councils are banding together with residents in Lincoln and Lincolnshire to negotiate lower energy prices.
Photo: File/Shutterstock

Residents in Lincolnshire could benefit from lower energy bills through a new district council collective scheme.

Seven authorities in Lincolnshire, including the City of Lincoln Council, have signed up to the Lincolnshire Energy Switch scheme (LESS).

The scheme allows councils to join up with residents in order to save money on their energy bills.

Energy suppliers can offer lower energy prices to a collective contract made up of thousands of customers.

The more people that sign up for the LESS scheme, the lower the prices suppliers offer, which on average would bring some £131 savings per year.

Those who have never switched energy supplier and are on a standard tariff are likely to make the greatest savings.

People on pre-payment meters can also choose to switch.

Residents can join in the scheme by registering interest online, by calling 01522 782067.

Registration has to be done before February 17. Then, the tariff of the lowest bidding energy supplier will be offered to residents.

Residents can then choose to accept the offer or not, there is no obligation to switch.

Customers have four weeks to confirm they wish to switch supplier by following the instructions in an offer email or returning a signed form by post.

Council’s taking part in the scheme are City of Lincoln Council, North Kesteven District Council, South Kesteven District Council, Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council, West Lindsey District Council and Lincolnshire County Council.

Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Member for the Environment at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We’ve all seen our fuel bills rise over the last decade, and I think it’s vital that local councils do all they can to help.

“Average savings for schemes like this tend to be around £131. Money like that can make an awful lot of difference to a family budget.

“We’ve made it as easy as possible for people to switch with us. I hope as many people as possible take part.”

Councillor Ric Metcalfe, Leader of the City of Lincoln Council, said: “We encourage residents to make the change to the Lincolnshire Energy Switch scheme.

“We are always keen to look at new ways to help our residents reduce their monthly outgoings and help those most in need address real fuel poverty.”