A NEW community energy company for the Sid Valley has set itself a target to slash residents’ power bills by 10 per cent.

SidEnergy leaders have been bouyed by a Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) report entitled Helping Customers Switch – Collective Switching and Beyond.

It shows how groups theirs have negotiated discounts with suppliers to give households average reductions of £131 per annum on dual fuel bills.

The report, which also states that DECC will soon produce a community energy strategy, has been welcomed by the founders of the Sid Valley initiative.

Chairman Duncan Hasell said: “This shows what group purchasing schemes can achieve. If other community groups have done this then so can we. The DECC report, which can be viewed or downloaded at www.sidenergy.co.uk, shows that a benchmark of around 10 per cent discount has been set.

“Nearly 100 people and some local businesses have already registered with SidEnergy – we probably need around 1,000 in total to give us the purchasing power that we need.”

SidEnergy is also in negotiation with reliable local suppliers of energy conservation and renewable energy systems for advantageous offers and discounts for members.

An ‘Open Homes’ event will be held in February to showcase the available technologies and approved suppliers.

Register your interest in cutting your energy costs by emailing info@sidenergy.co.uk or send a text or leave a voice message on 07592 803063.