Calderdale residents could save up to £250 a year on their energy bills.
Residents are being invited to take part in the borough’s first ever collective switch of energy supplier. With energy prices rocketing, many households are struggling with energy bills. Yet by working together, better prices can be obtained from energy companies.
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. Calderdale Council is organising the list, alongside authorities in Greater Manchester, and the auction will take place on Tuesday 29 January 2013. The last date for residents to sign up is Monday 28 January 2013.
There is no obligation for residents to accept the rate offered in the auction – each household can compare whats 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, said:
“Up to now, the big energy companies have been able to call all the shots, but by working as a collective, 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, added:
“While some people switch companies or tariffs occasionally, many have never switched their energy provider or even compared different tariffs. These are the people who are likely to get the best savings out of the collective switch. People on pre-payment meters are also encouraged to sign up, as on average they pay 15 per cent more for their energy.”
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 Collective energy switch(external link)|
. If you dont 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.You will need to have a recent energy bill with you or better still, an annual statement from your supplier.