POWER bills plummeted when council chiefs switched on to cutting light and heating costs.

They targeted Burnley's top ten energy-using buildings - from recreation centres to town halls - and saved £277,000 in just three years.

Energy conservation chiefs put the pressure on British Gas to slash tariffs, which resulted in demands reducing by more than £184,000.

Staff played their part in the switch-off campaign, helping the council to save more than £92,000.

A report to councillors last night underlined the success of the initiative, with an 11 per cent reduction in energy consumption during the period - equivalent to over five million kilowatt hours.

The savings add up to the energy required for 150 homes a year.

The campaign has also been environmentally friendly - cutting 1,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Savings have also allowed the local authority to reduce rents for elderly residents at two sheltered housing complexes.

The conservation initiatives have cost the council £30,000 to put into place - but the savings are rolling in.

Council energy conservation officer, Tony Sagar, says he is happy with the results of the pilot project and he praised council staff for playing their part in the savings.

"People who use energy are the ones who can best save it and we could not have done this without the support of staff."

Now the authority is looking at expanding the scheme to include other council-owned properties.

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