Decision details

To authorise a contract for the provision of the Council’s energy supply services from 1 October 2024 for a period of four years.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)            the Council enter into a Framework Agreement with LASER Energy Buying Group (LASER) managed by Kent County Council for the supply of energy to the Council’s corporate sites and schools for a period of four years starting on 1 October 2024;

(2)            authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Place, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Infrastructure and Community Safety and the Portfolio Holder for Finance & Human Resources, to call off contracts from the LASER Energy Buying Group Framework for the provision of gas and electricity supplies on the terms set out in this report.

Reasons for Decision:

·                 To procure energy at competitive rates for the Council’s 571 electricity and gas supply accounts across its corporate buildings and schools through an efficient process, in accordance with the government recommended approach for public bodies.

·                 The Council’s current energy supply contract was due to expire on 30 September 2024 and a new contract was needed to ensure continuity of supply.  To guarantee that the Council could participate in future advance purchases of energy beyond the current period of the contract a firm commitment to using a new framework agreement for the period 2024 – 2028 must be made by 31 March 2024.  This would enable the Authority to take advantage of wholesale price fluctuations when the wholesale energy market would be favourable.