Collective energy switching campaign hailed big success

More than 4,000 people took part in the Collective Energy Switching campaign on April 9th, with the majority winning a better deal on their gas and electricity bills following auction.

More than 70% of people who registered with the Big Community Switch received significant savings, averaging £111 per year. The highest average saving was on a 'dual fuel online tariff' and was £139 per year.

Cheshire East Council joined forces with a group of local authorities across the country, representing more than 160,000 people in all, which was the largest auction of its kind in the country and provided greater buying power.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member in charge of prosperity and economic regeneration, said: "This has been such a worthwhile campaign. The slogan Get Together, Save Together really tapped in to a feeling of people power.

"The campaign reached more than 2,000 vulnerable people who really needed help with their energy bills, thanks to our various partners who helped us spread the message.

"A huge media campaign organised by Cheshire East Council also helped spread the message and ensured that as many vulnerable people as possible were able to take advantage of the offer.

"I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part and remind people to make sure that if they're happy with the offer, to accept either by email or post as soon as possible. Of course, there's no obligation to switch."

People who took part are asked to look out for their personalised offer by email or post over the coming weeks. Online registrants will need to click the 'confirm' button in their email and offline registrants will need to complete an acceptance form and return by post in the pre-paid envelope. The deadline for returning these is May 8th, 2013.

Anyone with any questions in the meantime should email: [email protected] or alternatively call 0800 048 8285 (Mon to Fri, 8.00am until 5.30pm) The final date people can request their offer to be re-issued, either by email or letter, is May 3rd, 2013.