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Liverpool LECCY launches
A new not for profit energy company to
tackle fuel poverty in Liverpool has launched, and it could save households
hundreds of pounds per year.
The LECCY (Liverpool Energy Community Company) is now offering competitively
priced gas and electriCity cheaper than that offered by the Big 6 and will offer
advice to households to help them move off costly prepayment meters and on to
cheaper direct debit tariffs.
The LECCY will also support people to move over to SMART meters so they can
manage their energy use and provide help with managing their bills.
The LECCY is a partnership between Liverpool City Council and Robin Hood Energy,
and is supported by Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson.
More than 1,000 people have already expressed interest in signing up ahead of
the launch and the Council has secured a one year fixed rate deal that is
cheaper than tariffs currently offered by the Big 6 energy suppliers. It could
save a medium user of gas and electriCity over ₤250 per year compared to the
most expensive Big 6 tariff. Further fixed rate deals for Liverpool are in the
pipeline and will be announced in the coming months.
Mayor Anderson said:- "1 in 3 households in Liverpool pay over the odds
for their gas and electriCity because they have prepayment meters which are far
more expensive than other tariffs.
By setting up a not for profit company, we can offer really competitive rates.
We're not out to make a profit for shareholders like other energy suppliers, and
will instead focus on delivering the best value for local people.
We won't be offering gimmicks or introductory loss-leaders. What we will be
doing is offering good value tariffs and helping people to get the best deal for
them. This is part of our commitment to supporting residents in difficult times,
helping them save money to offset the impact of austerity."
1 in 7 Liverpool households live in fuel
poverty, compared with 1 in 10
nationally and 70,000 households in the City are forced to use prepayment
meters. Research by Citizens Advice shows people who use these meters pay ₤226
more a year on their fuel bills compared with the cheapest direct debt tariff.
The LECCY will work especially hard to support prepayment customers who are
often offered expensive and uncompetitive tariffs, and will help them to move
onto the best and cheapest alternatives for them.
By providing energy cheaply and helping people to move off costly prepayment
meters when it's right for them, it aims to secure a future where people are in
control of their energy bills and no one has to choose between food or fuel.
Councillor Alan Clark, Chair of the Robin Hood Energy Board said:- "We're
delighted to announce this partnership with LECCY. We have a shared aim to
provide affordable energy to all households locally and to help tackle fuel
poverty."
Switching is easy and hassle free. To get an instant quote, customers should
visit the
website; they simply need
to have a recent copy of their energy bill. Enquiries can also be made by
calling:- 0800 023 4171 (calls are free from mobiles and landlines).
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