FOI Request - Saving Energy

Request 101003171421 

I am sending this request under the Freedom of Information Act to ask for the following information.

1. How much are you expecting to spend on energy costs this winter (October – April) compared to the same period last year?

2. Are you planning to cancel or spend less than the year before on festive events or decorations because of costs? These include but are not limited to Christmas lights, bonfire night, Christmas markets, Christmas trees, etc.
3. How much money are you projected to save if the council cancels any festive events or decorations?

4. Are you planning to spend less on other council services, such as street lighting, than in 2021 to save energy and fuel costs? What changes have you made?

5. Has the council decided to close any of its community spaces such as halls, libraries and leisure centres, either temporarily or permanently for the remainder of 2022 and/or 2023 to reduce energy and fuel costs?

6. If so, how many community spaces will close and how much money does the council estimate this will save on its energy and fuel costs? Please can you include the type of community space in your response.

Response 11-11-2022

1. The figures given are projected spend 01/09/2022 to 31/03/2023 V's billed cost 01/09/2021 to 31/03/2022, as these are the figures that we hold. These figures are arrived by applying 2022/23 energy prices to 2021/22 consumption. The figures are projections that will vary depending on weather and building use.  

As billed total energy costs - 01/09/2021 to 31/03/2022 £2,106,995 Projected total energy cost - 01/09/2022 to 31/03/2023 £3,342,602 Projected increase - £1,235,606

2. No

3. The requested information has been published in response to a previous request and is therefore exempt under section 25 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 ' information otherwise accessible'. For ease of reference please find a link to the web page http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_143941.html

4. Street Lighting are currently on the final year of their LED replacement scheme which will reduce energy costs. This also in time reduces maintenance costs as the LEDs last longer and do not need repaired.

5. At this stage the Council has decided not to close any library or leisure facilities (temporarily or permanent) for the remainder of 2022 and/or 2023 to reduce energy and fuel costs.  Due to our energy contract we will not experience an increase until into 2023, at this stage we will be monitoring all costs closely.

6. N/A