Museums cashing in on Shropshire Council energy deal

Money raised from people signing up to the energy tariff, a partnership between the authority and SSE, will go towards the running of the council's cultural assets, including museums.

The initiative is part of a drive from the council to improve its finances through commercial ventures.

It comes just months after financial auditors cast serious doubt on the authority's ability to provide its services from 2019/20, without making more money.

In February, auditors claimed vital services across Shropshire could be at "significant risk" because of a chronic cash crisis and said the shortage could affect all services the council provides – including those considered a legal duty.

According to Tim Smith, head of business, enterprise and commercial services with Shropshire Council, the new income stream could raise "tens of thousands of pounds" over the next year.

When someone switches from their current tariff to the new 'Shropshire Community Energy Tariff', SSE will pay a fee to the council, which will go towards its own bills for different assets.

Mr Smith said: "As we're continually facing reductions in our own budgets, we recognise that we need to be more commercial and find other opportunities to raise income.

"The deal put forward by SSE offers a discounted rate to residents from a well-known and established brand, and will generate valuable income for the council that can be put into the services that people value most.

"Through this partnership with SSE we will receive a fee for each referral to them that results in a contract take up. We hope to raise tens of thousands of pounds over the next year. This money will be used to support our museums and cultural assets – which were previously noted as at risk due to cuts in funding. If we raise more than amount required for our cultural assets we'll be really pleased."

with the support that Shropshire's residents have shown – and we'll then work with the people of Shropshire to identify what the additional money should be spent on.

"This partnership with SSE will also enable us to provide people with valuable help and advice about how they can save money through a range of energy-saving measures."

The tariff will offer Shropshire residents, council staff and those working for partner organisations including charities a lower, fixed price rate for two years.

Customers already with SSE will be able to switch to the new tariff with no exit fees.

Lee Maher, head of partnerships at SSE said: "We're very happy to be working with Shropshire Council, creating more options for energy customers in the county. The energy market is evolving and at SSE we're always looking out for new and exciting ways to engage with customers. We hope this new partnership with do just that."

For information, visit new.shropshire.gov.uk/sse-and-shropshire-council