Latics back energy switch
Oldham Athletic is urging supporters and staff to sign-up to the ‘Power to the People’ collective energy switching campaign.
The npower League One football club was the first major local business to answer Oldham Council’s call to action to help spread the word this week.
A ‘Bring Your Energy Bill to Work Day’ is being held today to encourage staff to join the scheme at Boundary Park – dubbed ‘Ice Station Zebra’ for its freezing matchday temperatures.
Almost 5,500 local households have now registered in a bid to slash their energy bills by up to £200 in a collective bulk-buying scheme.
The deadline to register is Sunday, November 25 and anyone can join in – you do not have to live in Oldham to benefit.
Manager Paul Dickov and players Dan Taylor and Connor Brown were the first to register before training today.
www.oldham.gov.uk/fairenergyCouncillor Arooj Shah, Assistant Cabinet Member at Oldham Council, was on hand to guide them through the simple sign-up process using the website at
Paul Dickov said: “This scheme is a brilliant idea and I would encourage all Latics’ supporters and staff to set aside five minutes to sign-up.
“We all know how hard the economic climate is for families and fans at the moment and rising energy prices are a big part of the problem.
“We can already feel winter is on the way here at Boundary Park and everyone will need to be turning their heating up soon.
“Anything you can do right now to try and save some money before Christmas has to be worth a go – and it could put quite a few quid back in your pocket.”
Daniel Taylor, Latics’ ex-Newcastle United striker, added: “I live in Manchester and most of the lads in our dressing room are scattered across the North West but we’re all eligible to sign-up.”
“I like the idea of people clubbing together like this to make savings – it’s a ‘win-win’ for everyone.”
Councillor Arooj Shah said: “Time is running out now to register, so don’t miss out on a fantastic opportunity to cut your energy bills.”
“We’re urging all local businesses to help us spread the word and check that your staff are aware of this scheme."
marketing@oldham.gov.ukIf you need leaflets for your workplace or any more information, call Oldham Council's Communications team on 0161 770 4707 or email
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority members – with around 1.2 million households between them – has also agreed to set up a dedicated energy collective. This will build on the ‘Power to the People’ scheme and that group will go to auction in January 2013.
'Power to the People’ – backed by Energy Minister Ed Davey – is run in association with Rochdale Council and this group will go to auction with energy firms on November 26th.
Remember there’s no obligation to switch providers if you later decide not to so you have absolutely nothing to lose by signing up before November 25th.
A series of information and sign-up events are continuing to taking place across the Borough for people without internet access:
Sunday, November 18 – Unit 6, Tommyfield Market: 1pm to 4pm
Saturday, November 17: Uppermill Library: 10am to 12.30pm
Saturday, November 17 – Oldham Library: 11am to 2pm
Monday, November 19 – Chadderton Library: 11am to 2pm
Tuesday, November 20 – Failsworth Library: 11am to 2pm
Wednesday, November 21 – Greenfield Library: 2.15 am– 5pm
Friday, November 23 – Lees Library: 11am to 2pm
Thursday, November 22 – Northmoor Library: 2.15am – 5pm
Saturday, November 24 - Unit 6, Tommyfield Market: 11am to 2pm.
Pictured (left to right): Connor Brown, Paul Dickov, Councillor Arooj Shah and Daniel Taylor signing up to the energy switching scheme using an iPad at Boundary Park this morning.