DORSET Council and its partner organisations are spending more than £7 million a year on electric and gas – but making a saving by belonging to a ‘buyers club.’

The council is now being asked to continue its purchases through a consortium set up by Kent County Council which between it has over 200 public organisations as members – using its size to negotiate better prices.

Other buyers groups have been considered by the council, according to a report before Cabinet next week (Sept 3), but many are smaller and have less of a track record in helping keep prices down. The report says that while comparisons are difficult the consortium currently used has been 2 per cent lower than the average market price between 2013 and 2017 and 22 per cent below maximum market prices – this amounts to ‘avoided costs’ to the Dorset Council partnership of between £59,400 at the lower level, or £687,000 if the higher figure is used.

Cabinet members are being invited to continue with the group up until 2024.

The report says the council has considered  the possibility of switching to ‘green energy’ suppliers but says these are only available at a price premium and are not being recommended.

It adds that the consortium may be able to offer energy-saving advice through the contract to the council and some of its partners, which include many of the county’s schools and academies.