The Town Hall is set to take on the “Big Six” energy firms by teaming up with an independent provider to offer cheaper gas and electricity to the borough’s poorest residents.

The new tariffs will feature Islington Council branding, which the authority hopes will tempt elderly and vulnerable residents who pay above the odds by using pre-payment meters.

The council has teamed up with OVO Energy as it offers discounts, has a good customer service record and prioritises vulnerable residents.

Around one in five households in Islington uses a pre-payment meter, which can cost almost £500 a year more than people who pay by direct debit.

Households which make the switch will save £200 a year on average, it is estimated. The new deal would offer a “smart meter” which allows customers to move to a cheaper tariff.

• Keywords
  ENERGY, DISCOUNT, COST OF LIVING
• Persons keyword
  Islington Town Hall, Claudia Webbe