Liverpool City Council has announced that it is to begin planning for its energy procurement for 2026 now, following a report to the cabinet.
The council’s gas and electricity contract with Crown Commercial Services runs until March 2025, with last year’s decision to go for a fixed-rate deal bringing savings of around £3.2 million. The report has outlined that the council should roll its current contract over to 2025-2026, before however it has also recommended that it be given permission to assess the market for best value.
This would see the council balancing the value and risk of deals proposed by Public Buying Organisations. Alongside the value aspect of other deals, the council will be looking into other options that can deliver greener energy that will contribute to its net zero goal of 2030.
Councillor Ruth Bennett, Liverpool City Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, said:
“This forward planning is all part of the council’s improvement journey, making sure we give ourselves the time and space to make considered decisions, so we get the best value for residents and partners.
“We have already made significant savings over the last year thanks to the prudent decision to lock into a fixed rate deal in 2023.
“This is an opportunity to take a good look at the market and weigh up the opportunities and risks, before making a decision on our options for 2026 onwards.”
The Government Commissioners in Liverpool have also welcomed the approach that has been proposed, calling it ‘timely and organised.’
Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy Cllr Nick Small also commented:
“Reducing energy consumption in our buildings and securing power from renewable sources is key to the council achieving net zero by 2030, helping tackle the climate emergency.
“I very much welcome this planned approach to renewing our energy contracts to put us in the strongest possible position to deliver on our commitments and make sure we get good value for residents.”
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