Collective switching scheme launched to help reduce energy bills

This week Dover District Council launches Energy Deal, a large-scale collective switching campaign in partnership with iChoosr, which is the first of its kind in Kent.

The Energy Deal scheme has been developed jointly with Dartford, Tunbridge Wells and Gravesham councils. It aims to provide help and support to households looking to reduce their gas and electricity bills. By joining forces and combining their purchasing power through the scheme residents have the opportunity to negotiate with suppliers for a better deal and could benefit by saving money on their home energy bills. The more households that sign up the greater the bargaining power they have through Energy Deal.

Residents can join the scheme by registering at www.energydealswitch.com. It's free to register and take part in Energy Deal, and residents are not obliged to switch energy supplier. To register, residents will need to have a copy of their latest fuel bill or energy statement available and use this to provide details of their current supplier and current energy use and tariff. An energy auction will take place on 4 June after which residents registered with Energy Deal will be sent a personalised offer showing the winning tariff, which they can then decide whether they want to accept.

Nadeem Aziz, Chief Executive, Dover District Council said: "We are pleased to support this innovative energy project, which is the first of its kind in Kent. This is a great opportunity, and has the potential to help residents save money on their energy bills."

For iChoosr, Bart Stevens said: "We have been active in Europe since 2008 organising collective switching schemes for local authorities. Over one million people have joined our schemes so far. We strongly believe this model is also applicable in Great Britain, where local authorities are well placed to help residents manage their high energy bills."

Registration for Energy Deal will close on 3 June. Residents without internet can call Dover District Council on 01304 872428 to register to be part of the scheme.