COUNCIL chiefs have joined forces with Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau to launch the fourth round of a scheme enabling residents and businesses to save on their gas and electricity bills.

More than 300 Darlington households saved an average of £200 on their gas and electricity bills last year with the Big Community Switch, a collective energy switching scheme powered by iChoosr.

Registration is open to householders, including people living in rented accommodation and who have pre-payment meters, and it is free to apply.

All that is needed is a current bill in your name or your partner’s name.

After the registration period closes, an auction is organised and householders will receive an offer telling them how much they can save.

They can then decide whether or not to accept the offer – with no obligation to switch.

Greta Coates took part in the scheme last year and said: “I saved £185 on my gas and electricity – it was very easy to do, with no pressure or hassle.

"Phill from the Citizens Advice Bureau was an enormous help, helping me fill in the application form and keeping me informed.

"When the form was filled in it was just a matter of waiting for the results, and I went straight from one contract to another.”

To take part, visit darlington.gov.uk/bigcommunityswitch and follow the instructions.

Householders can also receive help and support to register from Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau in Horsemarket, Darlington.

Call 01325-256999 (ext 122), or email admin.desk@darlingtoncab.co.uk

Businesses and community organisations can call 0800-088-6974 to speak to business energy experts Make It Cheaper (closed between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day).

Registration for householders will close at midnight on February 2 and the auction will take place the following day.

Businesses and community organisations can contact Make It Cheaper up to March 15.