HOUSEHOLDERS are urged to join a collective switching scheme to save money on gas and electricity bills.

The idea behind the scheme is that residents sign up to the scheme via Hartlepool Borough Council before partner organisation IChooser conducts an auction to determine the cheapest energy prices.

The more people registering, the greater the discount and residents have until February 3 to register their interest.

A similar scheme promoted by the council last year resulted in hundreds of people across the town saving money on their bills.

Robbie Payne, the council’s chairman of regeneration services committee, said: “The council ran a similar scheme last year and we know that lots of people signed up to new deals, saving them money in the process.

“This is a no obligation scheme and there are no catches; if people don’t want to switch fuel providers once they are given a quote, they don’t have to.”

Val Evens, Manager of the West View Advice and Resource Centre described the scheme as an “excellent idea” adding: “This will go some way to offset the additional living costs people are faced with.”

People can start to register from today (Tuesday, December 2).

The easiest way to register is to visit www.hartlepool.gov.uk/collectiveswitching

If you do not have access to a computer you can use one at any library in the town. Also, the Council’s Customer Services Centre at the Civic Centre can help residents to complete the registration form by calling 01429-523330.

When you register, you will need your most recent gas and/or electricity bill to hand. The website also has more information about the scheme including answers to frequently asked questions.