Businesses and residents in Burntwood and Lichfield are being urged to follow Staffordshire County Council’s lead to avoid predicted increases in energy bills.
The call comes from County Councillor Mike Maryon in the wake of last week’s OFGEN prediction that energy costs will rise dramatically over the next decade.
Cllr Maryon explained:
“As pressure mounts on oil resources, and we become increasingly reliant on imports of gas, the price of energy is set to rocket. This doesn’t even factor in the long term costs of failing to deal with the effects of climate change on our infrastructure and public services.
“That’s why we have to take action now and start to insulate our economy against these costs. And as one of Staffordshire’s biggest public service providers the county council has a lot to lose. Schools, libraries social care, highways – all our services need energy to deliver. And the tax payer pays the bills.
“We are against waste in all aspects of public service. Energy is one our biggest costs. So ensuring maximum energy efficiency in every area of our operation is vital to the tax payer.”
Staffordshire County Council has already reduced its energy consumption by over 40 per cent.
There was cross party agreement when two years ago Staffordshire became the first council in the UK to commit to carbon dioxide reductions of 80 per cent by 2050. This is now widely accepted internationally as the target needed to stop climate change going out of control.
Cllr Maryon added:
“We are working with managers and staff to conserve energy and harness new technologies. We have a duty to people today, as well as future generations. The same goes for offices and homes across Staffordshire. Poor energy management is a waste of money. It hits the bottom line hard. It’s simple self interest to cut costs and protect your future.”
