Councils have been urged to seek professional buying experience when purchasing gas and electricity. New national guidance from the Regional Centres of Excellence Procurement Programme has been issued in a bid to drive down local government's £1bn a year energy bill. ‘Buying energy has never been more complex and going to the market at the wrong time, although with the best intentions, could prove very costly,' said director of RCE Procurement Programme, Steve Holland. ‘I would strongly advise councils seek a professional buying organisation which really understands the markets to help them get the best possible deal.' Councils have faced mounting energy costs as prices have risen by at least 150% in the last two years. Research has found that a council going to the market at the wrong time can find itself paying 50% more than one which went out to competition at a different time. The latest guidance published by RCE procurement programme How to be successful in energy procurement, which has been described as ‘essential reading' is available at www.rcoe.gov.uk.
