08 September 2023 , 10:32
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Over 79,000 households could save money on their gas and electric bills this winter as a new energy switching scheme has been launched.
The Big Community Switch, which is hosted by iChoosr, is a free scheme offering help to people looking to switch their energy tariff. The group says that switching with them means Brits can benefit from the "bargaining power of a large group". If you sign up for the scheme, you and others will then be offered a personal competitive tariff from an energy provider in an "auction" on October 3.
The community switching group says on this day, a "variety" of energy companies will compete to become the energy supplier for the customers that sign up for the switch. Although it has not been confirmed which suppliers will be taking part. They add: "The more customers that are signed up and registered the more competitive the deal is likely to be". As of writing, over 79,000 people have registered for the scheme.
Offers will be made from October 16 and you will then be shown how much you could save compared to the current energy tariff you are on. The amount of money that can be saved will vary depending on individual factors, such as the current tariff, payment method, consumption and the winning bid. There is no guarantee that an offer will be the cheapest, but the model aims to ensure most people are offered lower annual energy bills than they are currently paying or are available at the time of the offer.
The group says that you have "no obligation" to take on the offer you have been given. Offers must be accepted by November 27. If you do switch, the council will then provide you with information on how you can switch to the new tariff online.
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Anyone who has an energy bill in their - or their partner's name - is able to join in the scheme, including those who rent their home. Those on prepayment meters can also join however they must not have more than £500 in debt to their current supplier to switch.
Those wanting to take part can register up until Monday, October 2. To sign up, you need to head to The Big Community Switch's website here and complete the online form. If you are unable to use the online form, you can register by calling the Big Community Switch registration line on 0800 048 8439. Lines are open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5:30pm. You will need a recent energy bill to hand when registering.