PEOPLE are being reminded that there is still time left for them to save money on their gas and electricity bills.

Hartlepool Council has teamed up with IChooser to promote the collective switching scheme and people must register their interest by Monday, February 2.

IChooser will then carry out an auction to determine the cheapest energy prices for all households signed up to the scheme.

Councillor Robbie Payne, the council’s chairman of regeneration services committee, said: “There has been a steady response to the scheme so far but there is still time for anyone interested in saving money on their fuel bills.

“The Council ran a similar scheme last year and we know that lots of people signed up to new deals. 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.

“If people do decide to switch they will see the benefits straightaway with reduced monthly fuel bills.

“As a Council we understand the hardship that many families are facing and this is just one way that they could save themselves some money.

“The scheme is not restricted just to Hartlepool residents; it is open to residents across the country and I therefore encourage as many people as possible to sign up.”

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

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. Simply call 01429 523330.

When people register, they will need their most recent gas and/or electricity bill to hand.