By Vivienne Russell | 22 July 2011
Councils can generate significant energy savings for their residents if they adopt a model of bulk purchasing, according to the New Local Government Network.
Going Dutch, a white paper published by the think-tank today highlights a recently launched scheme in the Netherlands. Met de Stroom Mee (Down the River) is a voluntary collaboration between two private individuals who use their professional experience to bulk buy energy and negotiate discounts. This resulted in a 20% saving in energy costs for households who took advantage of the scheme.
NLGN is calling on councils to use their buying power in a similar way. The think-tank estimates that even a 10% saving in the UK would result in a £125 reduction in costs for consumers.
Councils can generate significant energy savings for their residents if they adopt a model of bulk purchasing, according to the New Local Government Network.
Going Dutch, a white paper published by the think-tank today highlights a recently launched scheme in the Netherlands. Met de Stroom Mee (Down the River) is a voluntary collaboration between two private individuals who use their professional experience to bulk buy energy and negotiate discounts. This resulted in a 20% saving in energy costs for households who took advantage of the scheme.
NLGN is calling on councils to use their buying power in a similar way. The think-tank estimates that even a 10% saving in the UK would result in a £125 reduction in costs for consumers.
White paper author Liam Scott-Smith said: ‘The beauty of this model is that the more people councils can get to participate, the cheaper fuel becomes. A 10% saving means a £125 cashback and 20% means a £250 rebate for consumers. If councils buy into this model, the potential for savings is massive.’
