Purpose

The decision by Cabinet on 14 November 2023
approved the Council's participation in the LASER Energy Fully
Managed Framework for the flexible procurement of natural gas,
electricity & ancillary services for the supply period April
2025 to March 2029. Under the LASER framework, Cabinet noted that
electricity and gas estimated expenditure would be approximately
£39 million over four years.
 
Cabinet further delegated authority to the
Interim Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the
Council, to procure and complete gas and electricity supply
contracts under the LASER framework and it is proposed to authorise
Harrow and Barnet Public Law (HBPL) to
both access the framework agreement and the call-off contracts to
be sealed and completed.
 
Historically, the Council has purchased
renewable energy when it has been available on a cost neutral
basis. However, as part of the actions the Council is taking to
reach net zero carbon by 2030, it is looking to increase its
procurement of renewable low carbon energy through the utilisation
of green supply tariffs and REGOs (Renewable Guarantees of Origin)
Certificated Energy via the LASER Framework, and to potentially
direct contract with renewable generators such as solar / wind
farms.
 
The Council is to continue to utilise the
LASER Fully Managed Framework to procure its energy requirement
from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2029 and to potentially procure REGO
backed electricity via the LASER Framework, subject to
affordability.
 
Cabinet delegated authority to the Deputy
[Interim] Chief Executive as part of the procurement process, to
investigate and prioritise appropriately REGO backed (Renewable
Guarantees of Origin) certified renewable electricity supplies,
subject to affordability A review of potential REGO and alternative
renewable options will be considered during the
course of the year to determine the affordability of the
options available to the Council.