A PARTNERSHIP set up by Cheshire East Council which has helped save people in the area more than £2million from their energy bills is to be rolled out to the wider region and businesses.
Fairerpower, a partnership between the local authority and award-winning Ovo Energy, was launched in March 2015 and more than 7,500 customers have so far signed up to buy gas and electricity through the scheme.
The council says people have saved an average of £224 on their annual fixed-tariff bills, in the past year, after switching.
It says the not-for-profit organisation offers a competitive energy plan that gives more back to people across Cheshire.
Following a decision by Cheshire East’s cabinet, Fairerpower is to be run by the council’s arm’s-length Skills and Growth Company under a new contract.
This will enable Fairerpower to be offered to the wider Midlands and North West region and, in the future, to businesses and social housing providers.
The council says the move means it will also be able to develop new partnerships with several energy suppliers and other local authorities to help tackle fuel poverty.
Don Stockton, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The decision gives the ‘best fit’ to enable the council to sustainably deliver a cheaper fuel alternative to many more households, businesses and social housing providers – leaving more money in residents’ own pockets and helping tackle fuel poverty across the whole region and not just in Cheshire.”
The Fairerpower brand may also now be expanded to include non-energy products or services.
Cheshire East became the first local authority in the UK to sell power since the gas and electricity supply system was nationalised in 1948.
Since December 2015, Fairerpower has been extended to allow residents living in Cheshire West and Chester to become its customers too.
For more information or to join the scheme, call 0800 4086701 or visit www.fairerpower.co.uk