Freedom of Information request shows energy use in council buildings has increased exponentially on last year

The substantial rise contradicts Dundee City Council’s Climate Change Strategy which aims to reduce the council’s carbon footprint.

The news is expected to anger environmentalists in the city. Energy usage has increased substantially on last year, from 38,835,707 KWH to 45,190,347 KWH.

The findings are expected to be met with a frosty reception by Dundee residents who are bearing the brunt of austerity measures, many of whom are being forced to cut back on their own electricity usage.

The statistics were revealed by a Freedom of Information Request by EvoEnergy to Dundee City Council. Simon Horlock, Regional Manager of EvoEnergy said:

“It’s not just about the environmental impact, which is alarming enough in itself.

“Over the past year we’ve seen energy bills rocket. Councils should be actively trying to reduce their energy consumption to counterbalance these rises - after all, it’s the tax payer who is footing the bill.”

Pylon image by John Byer