Power to the people brings cuts to electricity prices

By Lilly O’Gorman
A COMMUNITY driven campaign for discounted gas and electricity will see a better deal for locals within three weeks.
So far, about 600 residents and businesses of Cardinia Shire and the City of Casey have jumped on board the collective bargaining scheme, which aims to get a bulk-buy discount of up to $300 per year on utilities.
Angelo D’Amelio said he decided to initiate the bargaining process through the Beaconsfield Progress Association (BPA) after seeing the success achieved in other communities.
“It is basically about having power in numbers so we can go to the retailers and ask for their best deal,” Mr D’Amelio said.
“We are probably looking at saving somewhere between 15 and 20 per cent for residential homes and businesses with the overall deal.
“I have a young family and my energy bills are my biggest expense on a quarterly basis.”
Power Group Purchasing has begun the tendering process on behalf of the BPA, with two retailers on the negotiating table and two more expected to bid.
Power Group Purchasing founder and director Chris Kechagias said he came up with the scheme to leverage buying power while working with a community in Somers to successfully achieve a better deal.
“After helping Somers and achieving a win for them, my goal was to encourage consumers to band together and leverage the market and come up with better deals from retailers,” Mr Kechagias said.
Since then, discounts have been achieved for communities in Ballarat and Portarlington and many more deals are on the negotiating table for communities throughout Victoria.
A panel of residents will decide on the winning deal for Casey and Cardinia within the next three weeks.
“This is going to help a lot of people,” Mr Kechagias said.
“Generally the community weren’t aware how they could be saving so, hopefully, this will create awareness amongst consumers.”
Cardinia Shire Council has now thrown its support behind the campaign.
Mayor George Blenkhorn encouraged residents to register their interest online.
“It is important to note that residents who do sign up are under no obligation to take up the resulting energy offer,” Cr Blenkhorn said.
“Government concessions would also continue to apply for those that are eligible.
“It only takes a little bit of effort to participate and hopefully the result will be very positive for the Cardinia Shire community.”
To register interest, visit www.powergrouppurchasing.com.au