RESIDENTS are being encouraged by the county council to switch suppliers and save money on energy bills.

Gloucestershire County Council is encouraging people to sign up in the next round of the Big Community Switch which helps people get cheaper gas and electricity by working together.

The principle behind The Big Community Switch is bulk buying where a large number of people wanting to change supplier together are likely to get a better deal than just one person shopping around and switching on their own.

Councillor Mark Hawthorne, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Switching energy supplier is often the best way to save money on your bills.

“We are continuing to support this scheme as we know the process of switching can often put people off. This way all you need is a recent energy bill and the Big Community Switch will do the rest of the work and hopefully get you a better deal.”

Those interested in signing up only need to provide basic information at this stage such as name, address, contact details, an indication of their energy consumption and whether they wish to consider switching for both gas and electricity, or electricity only.

A recent bill to hand makes registering easier and a more accurate registration means a more accurate offer.

Residents need to register their interest with the Big Community Switch by Monday February 2 at the latest. This can be done online at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/bigcommunityswitch or by phoning the council on 01452 42 57 57. By doing this, you are under no obligation to switch supplier.

Those who have registered their interest will receive a personalised energy offer during late February or early March.