RESIDENTS in Stockton have until Monday (April 8) to join a money-saving energy cost scheme.

The Big Community Switch will see people join together to form a single, powerful buying unit to negotiate cheaper energy costs.

Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor David Rose, said: “Fuel bills are continuing to increase and as a result many of our residents are now struggling to afford to heat their homes.

“This Collective Switching scheme is one way in which we can help people in this situation and prevent more people from suffering from fuel poverty in future.

“The more people who sign up, the bigger the buying unit to attract lower prices from competing suppliers so if you haven’t done so already I would really encourage you to find out more about how you, or your friends and family, can get involved and benefit.”

The Collective Switch is open to all householders, including those in rented accommodation and those using a prepayment meter. The main six suppliers have agreed with Ofgem to allow prepayment meter consumers with a debt of up to £500 to switch if they choose.

There is no obligation for anyone to change suppliers once they have registered for the Big Community Switch, which is being delivered for Stockton Council by iChoosr.

Residents with internet access can register by logging onto www.stockton.gov.uk/bigcommunityswitch People without internet access, or who would like some help in the process can also register at The Horizon Centre, Bridge Road, Stockton 01642-615834 or the Five Lamps Centre, Eldon Street, Thornaby 01642-704142.