council chiefs are being urged to ‘go green’ after it was revealed local authorities are paying out millions of pounds to the biggest energy firms.

Figures show that Renfrewshire Council forks out £3.7m per year on its energy bill, while East Renfrewshire Council pays only £300,000 less – despite containing around half the number of residential properties.

In total, Scottish councils are paying out more than £180m each year to the ‘Big Six’ energy firms – British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, Npower, Scottish Power and SSE – and other major oil and gas companies.

Renfrewshire residents get the best value for money of any council area in Scotland.

That’s despite evidence showing that switching to more environmentally-friendly suppliers would save councils – and, in turn, residents – thousands of pounds annually.

Green energy supplier Bulb, which provides energy from 100 per cent renewables and styles itself as a ‘cheaper challenger company’, obtained the numbers via a Freedom of Information request issued to all 32 local authorities in Scotland.

Of the 25 who responded, it was found that all use one of the largest suppliers, with EDF Energy accounting for electricity across the board.

Bulb’s co-founder Hayden Wood said: “There’s a huge opportunity for councils across Scotland to lead from the front and show that they are committed to a renewable future.

“Sadly, our research reveals that councils in Scotland are currently missing out on the chance to go green.

“A change would benefit the environment, while also potentially saving money for residents by cutting publicly-funded energy bills. We’re encouraging people to write to their local councils and call on them to commit to switching to a renewable energy provider.” We’d love to see councils help protect the planet, and save some money for residents too.”

The Scottish Government has pledged to make Scotland a more environmentally sustainable country, and has promised specifically to work towards making Glasgow one of the world’s leading green cities.

Organising group Citizens UK regularly works on local energy projects, including building a people-powered energy campaign to tackle fuel poverty.

Caitlin Burbridge, a community organiser at Citizens UK, said councils are obliged to protect their local environment, and to ensure residents are not being overcharged.

She said: “Councils have a responsibility to seek the best value for money for their residents, and spending on energy should be no different.

“Local citizens must have confidence that their taxes are being spent wisely, rather than subsidising large energy companies.

“With many smaller suppliers offering cheaper tariffs, and often green energy to boot, councils should look to shop around rather than continue to stick with the ‘Big Six’.”

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “Council utility contracts are purchased through the national procurement process and we pay taxes towards green energy and carbon reduction programmes.

“This data shows Renfrewshire Council’s utility contracts achieve excellent value and all contracts are reviewed, considering cost-effectiveness and sustainability.”

An East Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “We are committed to promoting a greener and more sustainable East Renfrewshire and have implemented a number of initiatives in recent years to support this work. This has included helping local residents to reduce their energy consumption, encouraging active travel and improving energy efficiency in council buildings. Achieving best value for our residents is always our primary focus and by purchasing our energy through the Scottish Government agreed contracts it ensures that we can get the best deal possible. The contract negotiated by the Scottish Government is in place for all public sector organisations, which allows greater economies of scale and savings to be made.”