Sign up to the ‘Big Switch’

RESIDENTS in Charnwood are being offered the chance to sign up to the ‘Big Switch’ with the possibility of saving more than £240 a year on energy bills.

The borough council has launched the Charnwood Big Switch, a collective switching scheme to help residents change energy suppliers with ease and get a better deal.

Coun Paul Mercer, lead member for housing said: “The council is committed to helping residents and this scheme could help them get a better deal on their energy bills. Switching suppliers can be daunting even though they may be paying too much for their energy.

“By joining the collective switching scheme residents will be able to switch suppliers with ease and save money on their bills.

“I would encourage people to register with the scheme because they can then see whether they are getting a better deal before deciding to switch.

“The scheme also provides an opportunity to encourage energy efficiency and help to reduce the number of households in fuel poverty.”

The scheme is delivered by the council and iChoosr, an independent specialist provider in collective energy switching.

Collective switching gives people the opportunity to group together and pay less for their energy. Residents can switch electric or dual fuel and can choose to have paper bills or to manage their accounts online.

iChoosr hold three auctions a year and energy suppliers compete to provide the lowest priced tariff in the auction.

It is free for residents to register their interest and registrations for the first auction are now open.

The first auction for Charnwood will take place on October 8.

For more information about Charnwood Big Switch and to register visit https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/charnwoodbigswitch

■ Pictured from left to right: Alison Simmons, head of strategic and private sector housing at Charnwood Borough Council, Coun Paul Mercer, lead member for housing, and Jacky Oughton, housing projects officer at Charnwood Borough Council.