Working together for cheaper energy prices

To help tackle rising energy costs, the district's collective switching scheme, Energy Deal, has launched a second campaign this week - and it will run until 17 February 2014.

Energy bill increases can be avoided by shopping around for a lower tariff, but this can be a confusing process. The collective switching scheme aims to help residents fix their gas and electricity prices for the year ahead with a winning deal resulting from an 'energy auction' between competing energy suppliers. The scheme benefits from having strength in numbers, and the more households signing up to take part the better the chances of securing a competitive energy tariff.

Energy Deal was first launched in April 2013. On that occasion there were nearly 2,500 participants and online customers saved an average of £100 a year off their fuel bills.

Registration requires details (from an energy bill or annual energy statement) of annual energy consumption, current tariff, current supplier and payment preference. There is no cost and no obligation to switch supplier for those taking part.

Cllr Nicholas Kenton, DDC Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste and Planning said: "Energy Deal is an easy way for residents to see if they can reduce energy costs, especially those who have never switched before as it offers a helping hand to guide them through the process."

Filip Vissers, UK Team Manager, iChoosr Ltd, said: "We have now been holding collective switching schemes in the UK for 12 months and in that time we have seen over 325,000 households take part in schemes across the country. After Energy Deal's great start in our June auction, we are looking forward to seeing what savings we can offer Kent residents in February. Householders can take part in their local switching scheme without any obligation and with the support of their council so it's certainly worth signing up today to see if they may save on their energy bills."

Residents are invited to join the scheme by registering online at www.energydealswitch.com or call Dover District Council on 01304 872428.