POWER to the people!

For Bury looks set to power ahead with a new initiative.

And it will not only bring savings on energy supplies to its council house tenants, but also pay for more energy efficiency measures.

The local authority has joined a consortium of councils from around Greater Manchester who are planning to take advantage of the changes that de-regulation of gas and electricity supplies have brought.

Through the Greater Manchester Association of Chief Housing Officers' Energy Alliance, negotiations have been taking place over the last 18 months with a variety of companies to get the best possible deal.

This will not only bring competitive prices for tenants but also improve energy efficiency and play a part in encouraging suppliers to take greater social and ecological responsibility.

As a result of that, a deal has been proposed with Scottish Power and, if Bury Council now formally agrees, it and its tenants stand to benefit.

Already, the proposal has been formally approved by the council's Cabinet and it will now go forward for further consideration.

Bury Council's economic and social regeneration chairman, Councillor Trevor Holt, said: "Assuming the scheme goes ahead, there will be no pressure from the council for our existing tenants to take their gas and electricity supplies from Scottish Power.

"However, those that do will have the peace of mind that the local authority has already closely vetted the services they are offering to provide."

He added: "There will be reduced confusion caused by canvassers from other prospective fuel suppliers, we will have closer liaison to improve energy efficiency and hopefully, in the long term, it will work towards the advantage of those who currently fall into the fuel poor category.

"Also, for ever home which is signed up, a fee will be received and that money will be used to introduce more energy efficiency measures into the council homes we own."

While cheaper fuel costs will come to tenants, the council will receive a contribution from Scottish Power for each new consumer it supplies.

A dedicated freephone benefits help line will also be set up. There will be a full range of payment methods as well as a good customer enquiries and complaints procedure.

Coun Holt continued: "We also expect there will be significant opportunities to work with Scottish Power on Agenda 21 environmental issues.

"By having more money available to improve energy efficiency in our homes, that too will help cut the cost of heating and lighting for our tenants. In fact, everyone is a winner with this initiative."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.