Last updated at 16:59, Monday, 20 August 2012

INTEREST in a unique scheme that uses people power to negotiate better energy deals has been higher than expected.

Almost 500 people registered with South Lakeland District Council’s Power Up Your Community scheme within the first two weeks.

The initiative aims to negotiate a cheaper energy deal for those who sign up, using bulk purchasing power as a negotiating tool.

Councillor Claire Feeney-Johnson, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, said: “I am really pleased with that number.”

She said much of the promotion for the scheme has yet to take place so to have 488 people sign up in a little over 10 days was an excellent start.

She continued: “It’s not about having thousands and thousands of people signed up – it’s about getting the best price for our community.

“Having said that, I am really pleased and I think that is better than we had anticipated at this stage.”

Once the council has a list of interested people, a speciallyappointed company – iChoosr – will attempt to negotiate the best possible deal on their behalf.

People will then have the choice of whether or not to switch to the new deal.

Cllr Feeney-Johnson said: “One of the things that makes this scheme different is our commitment to giving back to the most in need.”

She said many people living in fuel poverty are on fixed deals and do not have the option of switching providers.

She said: “It is normally more expensive and they are pretty much stuck with it. But we have committed that we will use the amount of money we get back from the energy companies to help those people in fuel poverty.

“That is what makes this unique.

“I can’t say I know how we are going to do it yet but we are going to do it and that to me is really exciting.”

Registration is open until September 17 and the new offer will be circulated on September 25.

More information is available at www.southlakeland.gov.uk or by calling 0845 050 4434.

First published at 16:15, Monday, 20 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk