Decision details

The Director for the Economy approved the outcome of the LASER (Local Authority South East Region) Energy Buying Consortium tender process and agreed to enter into a new contract with the most competitive utility company (or companies), as assessed by LASER, for the delivery of gas and electricity supplies to the Councils commencing from 1st October 2022.

The contract rates are commercially sensitive and are therefore excluded from the public domain until the contracts are secured and in place.

The overall financial effect on the Council's budget will necessitate additional budget provision and work on this is currently in hand by the Chief Financial Officer. A contingency sum has already been set aside within the Councils overall revenue budget to fund some of these additional costs.

To authorise the acceptance of tenders as detailed above, obtained by LASER on the Councils behalf in accordance with the Joint Councils Contract Standing Orders.

In view of the international energy crisis and the market being so volatile, there is limited time available to accept these tenders (often within hours) to lock down prices and a contract. Failure to respond/accept would put the Councils out of contract and higher energy rates charged. This risk is not acceptable.