Joining forces to reduce energy bills

Harborough District Council has launched an initiative called ‘Collective Switching’ to help residents save money by switching to lower energy tariffs as part of a group.

Residents are invited to sign up to the scheme which consists of an auction three times a year whereby energy companies bid against each other to provide the lowest tariffs. Once a price is fixed, residents who have signed up to the scheme then have a choice of whether to proceed and sign up with the new supplier. There are no obligations for the resident to switch if they choose not to do.

It is hoped the scheme could save residents more than £200 a year on their energy bills.

Councillor Jonathan Bateman, Harborough District Council’s portfolio holder for Environment and Regulatory Services, said: “We know that some residents are often daunted or confused by the idea of how to switch energy providers. But, as part of this new scheme, the Council will guide residents through the process as a group and potentially find a cheaper tariff to help them make significant savings to their household fuel bills.”

Residents do not need to have the internet to take part; they just need to contact the Council.

More information about how to sign up for the scheme will follow in the Council’s newsletter, and on the Council’s website and social media, over the coming weeks.