A NEW scheme to help businesses save money has been launched in Glasgow.

The commercial energy switching service has been developed by Glasgow City Council, the Wise Group and Citrus Energy.

Glasgow People’s Energy was launched at the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and its first stage will focus on providing an independent and impartial energy switching service for the city’s businesses and third sector organisations.

To illustrate what an energy switching service can do for a business or enterprise, the Wise Group saved more than eight per cent on energy costs after a review carried out by Citrus Energy. 

From this first stage, the aim is then to develop the service to provide an energy switching service for domestic customers, especially fuel poor households.

A memorandum of understanding between the partners means the scheme will be in place for a minimum of five years.  

Council leader Frank McAveety, said: “Glasgow City Council is committed to tackling fuel poverty for our residents and businesses, and I am sure Glasgow People’s Energy will make a real social and economic difference to the city. 

“I am delighted that the council is working with our partners the WISE Group and Citrus Energy to deliver this service.”

Laurie Russell, chief executive of the Wise Group, said: “The partnership with Glasgow City Council and Citrus Energy will help businesses and third sector organisations in the city save money on their energy costs. Glasgow People’s Energy service will help us expand the G. Heat service to help more Glasgow families tackle fuel poverty issues.”

Frank Sweeney, chief executive of Cunninghame Housing Association, of which Citrus Energy is a social enterprise subsidiary, said: “This groundbreaking collaboration, the first of its kind in Scotland, has the potential to deliver substantial financial savings to Glasgow businesses on their gas and electricity bills.”  

The service will have a dedicated team dealing with enquiries for Glasgow properties, which can be contacted on: 0800 112 4059 or e-mail enquiries@GPE.scot.  The service is now live.