Gosport Borough Council saves thousands from energy deal

The borough council is currently working with Portsmouth City Council in a partnership to save money and to swap expertise.

Although Gosport pays Portsmouth £200,000 per year, one of the benefits councillors says it has gained is the use of the city’s Energy Saving Team, which is helping to slash bills across the borough.

Chiefs say the council will save more than £100,000 a year.

Tory leader Councillor Mark Hook commended the work done by the energy team.

He said: ‘There were those who were sceptical about working with Portsmouth.

‘We did say we could drive down energy costs for the benefit of Gosport.

‘Expertise that we do not have will benefit local residents and there will be more to follow.

‘Those who voiced concern should look to this and see this was the right decision to develop closer relationships in areas where we do not have these specialisms.’

The council has set up its own energy-switching website to help residents save money on their bills as well as generate income.

It is set to install solar panels on five council buildings, including the town hall, and could save up to £380,000 over the next 20 years.

Some of the panels are coming from Portsmouth’s surplus without a cost.

Councillor Stephen Philpott, chairman of the economic board, has encouraged residents to get involved.

He said: ‘The partnership is in its early stages and very encouraging and very productive work has been done.

‘I encourage everybody, particularly people on low incomes and people in difficult times to be using the energy switching website.’

Labour’s Cllr Keith Farr said that the partnership has ‘been a good thing for the borough’ so far.’