Calderdale Council is urging local residents to act quickly to get cheaper electricity and gas while they still can.
Calderdale residents could save up to £250 a year on their energy bills by taking part in the borough’s first ever collective switch of energy supplier – and the last date that people can sign up is Monday 28 January 2013.
Over 22,000 people have already signed up for the collective energy switch which is being organised by Calderdale Council and other authorities in Greater Manchester. By working together these households could get better prices from energy companies, and with bills rocketing, the Council is advising all residents not to miss out on this opportunity.
To take part in the collective energy switch, residents are asked to add their address to a list of properties seeking a better annual rate for their electricity and/or gas. The supply for the list is then ‘auctioned’ to seek the best rate. The auction will take place on Tuesday 29 January 2013.
There is no obligation for residents to accept the rate offered in the auction – each household can compare what’s on offer with their current rate and decide what to do. But the more people who sign up as interested, the better the auction rates tend to be. Similar schemes in other areas have achieved annual price reductions of up to £250 per year on household bills.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment, Cllr Barry Collins, says:
“I’m thrilled that more than 22,000 people have signed up so far, but I urge those who haven’t signed up yet to register while they still can. This is a great opportunity for local residents to cut their energy bills. Working together, households can drive a harder bargain at auction and get a cheaper tariff.”
Calderdale Council’s Scrutiny Chair for Economy and Environment, Cllr David Hardy, adds:
“We want to make sure residents take advantage of this brilliant scheme while it’s still available, especially people on pre-payment meters who, on average, pay 15 per cent more for their energy, and older people who are on a low fixed income.”
The offer to express an interest is open to anyone with a residential gas or electric supply and the more people who do so, the better the chance of a great deal being secured for all.
It’s really easy to get your name on the list. You can do this online at Calderdale Housing. If you don’t have access to the internet at home, computers are available in your local library. Alternatively just ring 0800 009 3363, Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm. Please make sure you have details of your current supplier, tariff, usage and costs, available from your latest energy bills or annual statement, before you start to register.