RESIDENTS have the opportunity to potentially save money on their household fuel bills with the return of the Wyre Forest Big Energy Switch.

Backed by Wyre Forest District Council, the scheme allows Wyre Forest residents to use their collective bargaining power to get a better deal.

Following on from a successful launch earlier this year, the second Wyre Forest Big Energy Switch opens for registration today (December 5).

Residents have until Monday, February 12, to register their interest in the scheme.

A competitive process will then take place to negotiate with energy companies to find the best deal for the group. Those who have registered their interest will then be given a personalised offer - showing whether and how much they could save by switching.

Those who register for the scheme, can consider the offer before deciding whether or not to switch suppliers. There is no charge to join the scheme.

Councillor Chris Rogers, cabinet member for housing, health and wellbeing, said: "This initiative will give residents the chance to get a really good energy deal and makes it easy for them to switch if they wish to.

"More than 100 Wyre Forest households switched through the scheme earlier this year, saving an average of £230 on their annual bills.

"Some residents may be paying too much, particularly if they haven't switched supplier for a while, so I would encourage everyone to sign up and see what offer they receive.

"Indeed, collective energy switching is dependent on the number of people who do register so the more people we can encourage to take part the lower the tariff will be for everyone involved."

The amount of money that can be saved will vary depending on individual factors such as the current tariff, payment method, consumption and the winning bid. There is no guarantee that an offer will be the cheapest, but the model aims to ensure the majority of participants are offered lower annual energy bills than they are currently paying or are available at the time of the offer.

Residents wishing to take part, can visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk/bigenergyswitch.

For more information, call the Big Community Switch on 0800 048 8285.