More than 360 local residents have saved up to £160 each on their annual costs from switching energy suppliers as a result of this scheme.
But many more could have saved money if they had switched to one of the market leading deals offered.
Collective energy switching is much simpler than it sounds. Rather than buying your energy as an individual, you can pair up with hundreds of other households so that you all get a better deal.
The more people who sign up, the more likely suppliers are to give an additional discount. All the legwork is done for you so you don’t have the hassle of comparing suppliers and working out potential cost savings.
Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “With the warmer temperatures in summer, energy bills may be the last thing on your mind but now is the time to start saving.
“We’re encouraging residents to sign up and get a better deal on their gas and electricity. It’s all about people power, with residents teaming up to take on the big energy companies and save hundreds of pounds on energy bills by the end of the year.
“It’s not a complicated process but our team will be on hand to help make it hassle-free. Registration is free and without any obligation so once you’ve got your offer, you don’t have to switch if you don’t want to.”
A number of other council areas across the country are taking part in the Ready to Switch scheme which is led by Peterborough Council and run by switching specialists, iChoosr.
Anyone can register, whether you rent your home or own it, as long as any current energy debts are less than £500.
You’ll need your annual gas or electricity statement for the last 12 months. You’ll also need to know the name of your energy supplier, the tariff and payment plan, and the amount of energy that you use.
All this information will be on your bills or annual statement from your current provider.
Once the registration period is complete, energy suppliers are invited to take part in the auction to bid against each other to offer the best deal to residents.
The winning supplier then makes the lowest offer. Households are grouped together and will receive the best price for the group as a whole but each person can choose to accept or decline the individual deal.
A scheme for businesses (small to medium enterprises) is also available which offers a free energy broker service. Call 0800 048 4826 for more details.
Registration is open now (from 16 August) and closes on 10 October.
For more information or to sign up now, visit www.readytoswitch.co.uk
