We supply the energy for the communal areas of your housing, which is paid for by you as part of your service charge. We want to change the way that we buy this energy to make sure we're getting the best deal and providing you with better value.
When we enter into new contracts that are over 12 months long, we usually have to follow a consultation process to ask all our customers what they think of our proposal, which is part of our responsibility under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 20.
However, because we'll be buying energy directly from the energy market, whose prices change all the time, we can't do this because the cost of energy will have changed by the time we're able to complete a full consultation.
So, we have made an application to the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for permission to continue with agreeing new energy contracts without the formal consultation. This allows us to work more quickly, so we,can make sure we're getting the best energy cost possible.
We plan to start a new contract on 1 April 2026 and for it to last for 3 years with an option to extend.
Tribunal process
We have sent letters to all residents that contribute to the costs of lighting or heating supply via their service charge.
The letter explains that the Tribunal and Harlow Council need to receive any responses or objections by 17 October 2025.
You can view the documents that we have provided and received from the Tribunal: