The Cabinet of Waltham Forest Council met on Thursday 18 April 2024, agreeing to a new energy procurement strategy for the council's gas and electricity supplies. The meeting also approved the minutes from the previous Cabinet meeting.

Energy Procurement 2024-28

The Cabinet agreed to a new strategy for procuring the council's energy supplies for the period 2024-2029. This strategy involves a six-month bridging contract for gas supplies from October 2024 to March 2025, which will align the current contract with financial years. This bridging contract will be secured through flexible frameworks Y22008 and Y22009, procured by Kent County Council (LASER).

Following this bridging period, the council will enter into rolling two-year contracts for the flexible purchasing of gas and electricity from April 2025 to March 2029. These contracts will also utilise the LASER-procured flexible frameworks.

Authority has been delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Deputy Leader (Housing and Regeneration) and the Strategic Director of Resources, to purchase gas and electricity from the highest-ranked suppliers on each respective framework for the entire 2024-29 period. Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader (Housing and Regeneration), introduced the report and thanked officers for their work, a sentiment echoed by Councillor Grace Williams, Leader of the Council.

The decision aims to ensure a stable and cost-effective energy supply for the council's operations over the next five years. The use of flexible frameworks procured by Kent County Council is a common practice for local authorities seeking to achieve competitive pricing and manage energy market volatility.