News from...

13 January 2015

PR 5144 For immediate release

Communications Team Town Hall

Peterborough PE1 1HG

Council secures Peterborough residents cheaper energy bills

Peterborough residents could soon benefit from cheaper energy bills,

thanks to a partnership between Peterborough City Council and OVO.

At a meeting on Monday 19 January, Cabinet members will be asked to

approve the council entering into partnership with OVO to establish

bespoke dual and single fuel (electricity only) energy tariffs.

If Cabinet agrees the proposals OVO will create tariffs, exclusive to

residents with Peterborough postcodes, that are amongst the cheapest in

the country.

The new tariffs will be jointly branded between OVO and Peterborough

City Council. OVO will manage and operate the scheme, whilst the council

will promote the new tariffs in the city. It is the council's involvement in

marketing the scheme that will allow OVO to offer residents a cheaper

price for their energy.

The initial aim of the partnership is to establish these new tariffs,

however over the course of the agreement other opportunities could

include;

the roll-out of smart meters to residents;

Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) funding for local projects;

an agreement for OVO to purchase energy generated by the

council.

Under the terms of the agreement neither Peterborough City Council or

OVO will pay any money to the other party, as the council facilitates

securing cheaper energy prices for local residents and OVO benefits from

promotional support from the council.

Councillor Marco Cereste, leader of the council and cabinet member for

growth, strategic planning, housing, economic development and business

engagement, said: "Our deal with OVO is a win, win opportunity. It's a

win for OVO, the council and most importantly Peterborough residents. It

demonstrates our aspiration to become the UK's environment capital, but

also strikes the best deals for the people of Peterborough.

"Residents will benefit from some of the cheapest dual and single fuel

energy prices on the market. Those on prepay tariffs will even get free

smart meters, to help them save more money.

"The council will attract another major energy company into the city.

OVO has agreed to look into further investment opportunities in

Peterborough as part of their energy obligation and a future agreement

to purchase energy generated by the council.

"OVO will benefit from the council promoting these exclusive tariffs to

those with a PE post code, allowing them to pass on savings to residents,

putting money back in local pockets."

Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO, OVO explains: “This partnership is

part of OVO Energy’s plan to democratise the energy market and increase

innovation, and is the fourth such local partnership following hot on the

heels of Plymouth Energy Community, Cheshire East Council and

Community Energy South in just eight months.

“OVO Communities is an ‘out of the box’ solution for local organisations,

such as Peterborough City Council, which want to cut out the middle man

and become an energy company themselves – from supply and

generation, to smart technology and energy efficiency. OVO’s aim is to

set up 100 community energy supplier partnerships across the country,

ultimately serving over a million customers.

“We launched OVO Communities because we really believed the UK

energy market was ripe for big changes. We want to provide a platform

where people can come together, create their own systems, build their

own innovations and create genuine partnerships. We are really excited

to have the opportunity to literally put the power back into the hands of

the people in the Peterborough area.”

Ends.

Media contact: Martin Szybut, media officer - telephone 01733 452578 or email

media@peterborough.gov.uk