Member Article

Blackpool Tower goes green for new energy schemes

Small to medium enterprises in Blackpool are being offered the chance to cut their fuel bills by signing up to an independent energy broker scheme.

The service, called “Make It Cheaper”, is being run in by Blackpool Council in conjunction with 12 other local authorities.

A similar scheme is aimed at domestic consumers. “Ready to Switch?” is a free energy switching scheme that takes the hassle out of searching the market for cheaper energy deals.

To promote the projects, 5,508 energy efficient LED light bulbs on the Blackpool Tower turned green to encourage residents and businesses to sign up and save.

Since the launch last year, over 35,000 households nationally have signed up, saving on average £110 a year on their energy bills.

The household scheme uses the combined buying power of residents to negotiate cheaper prices directly with energy companies. Both schemes offer free participation and are completely free of any obligation.

Blackpool Council Leader Simon Blackburn said: “Following the success of the January campaign we are launching a second chance for residents to switch. Rather than switching provider and reducing your energy bill as an individual, people can register to switch and save as a big group at the same time.

“A lot of people are still paying too much for their gas and electricity. People are afraid to switch; they don’t have the time to compare suppliers; they don’t trust the suppliers or think it involves a lot of hassle. That is why we organise an auction for you and take the hassle out of switching.

“We are delighted we to light Blackpool Tower, an iconic landmark recognised across the country, in support of this scheme.”

Kate Shane, Blackpool Tower General Manager, said: “Britain’s best loved and iconic Tower is happy to be involved to raise awareness of the “Ready to Switch?” initiative. This is an excellent scheme and Blackpool Tower wholeheartedly supports anything that reduces costs of energy consumption for both residents and business.

“In September 2011 Blackpool Tower Illumination changed from the old style lighting to more energy efficient LED lighting which significantly reduced energy consumption and offered fantastic improvements in lighting colour and movement capabilities. We are currently looking into changing to more energy efficient lighting throughout the Tower.”

Registration for both schemes has now been extended until 18 November.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .