Tenants throughout Central Fife are set to benefit from lower energy bills soon as new energy supply company- Our Power- plans to be selling heat and power to tenants in 200,000 homes across Scotland by 2020.

Our Power Energy, the first independent and fully licensed company in the UK, which will operate on a non-profit distributing basis, has been founded by 35 member organisations, including Fife Council, along with some of Scotland’s largest housing associations and local authorities.

The company will enter the market at the end of 2015 as an Ofgem licenced supplier of gas and electricity to provide lower cost energy to the tenants and communities of its member organisations.

With Fife Council being the biggest landlord in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area, the local authority will be encouraging its tenants to take advantage of the move.

It expects to save its members up to 10% on their household utility bills compared to standard commercial tariffs.

The announcement follows investment of £2.5 millions from Scottish Government and another £1 million from Social Investment Scotland, both in the form of repayable loans.

Over the next five years, this could see up to £11 million of savings for households in some of the most disadvantaged communities across the country.

Councillor Judy Hamilton (pictured), the Council’s Executive spokesperson for Housing and Building Services said, “I’m delighted to hear Our Power will offer a simple, affordable, transparent and fair pricing structure that does not penalise low-income customers regardless of payment method or location.

“They will also help to promote and support the efficient use of energy using technology (e.g. smartmeters) to bring additional benefits to customers and businesses.

“With energy prices rising and some households at risk of falling into fuel poverty, energy suppliers like Our Power will be an extremely useful resource by which councils can assist vulnerable tenants and those on low incomes to save on their bills and avoid ill health. It is more important than ever that bills – in this case, energy bills – can be as manageable as possible. This will help us continue our promise of making Fife’s homes warmer and more affordable”. Alan Russell, Senior Manager (Housing Condition and Supply), said, “It’s great news that Our Power will enter the market at the end of 2015.

“Fuel poverty is a major issue for many households throughout Scotland. However, by removing profit from the equation, Our Power offers a new way of tackling this problem.

“Over the next five years Our Power will help many disadvantaged families reduce their energy bills and stay warm.” Fife Council and its partners will continue to work towards eradicating fuel poverty in Fife. Anyone who is struggling to afford to heat their home, should get in touch with their partners at the Energy saving Scotland advice centre on 0808 808 2282 or by texting ‘WARM’ to 81025 and an Energy Advisor will be in touch..

In October 2014, members at Fife Council Executive Committee agreed to the Council engaging with the “Our Power” Energy Supply Company (ESCO) to help tackle Fuel Poverty through the provision of lower cost electricity and gas to tenants. Now the mechanism is well advanced.