RESIDENTS must act quickly to take advantage of an innovative new scheme to save on energy bills.

Earlier this month Gloucestershire County Council announced its participation in a nationwide Collective Energy Switching plan, in which large numbers of households can bargain together for more competitive prices.

Now people have under a week left to register their interest and help everyone get a better deal.

GCC leader Cllr Mark Hawthorne said the measure would fight fuel poverty.

"We want to do all we can to help people afford to heat their homes properly," he said. "Switching energy supplier is often the best way to save money on your bills, but the process of applying can often put people off.

"All you need is a recent energy bill and we will do the rest of the work and hopefully get you a better deal."

Participating residents will get a personalised energy offer in February.

There is no guarantee that the offer will be lower than their current bills, but there is no obligation to switch supplier.

The deadline to register an interest online is Monday January 28. Residents can also phone the council helpline on 01452 425757 though this closes at 5pm on Friday January 25.

Sign-up events are also taking place this week at local libraries

  • Wednesday: Tetbury (2.30-5pm)
  • Thursday: Stow (10am-1pm), Moreton (2-5pm)
  • Friday: Stroud (9.30am-1pm), Dursley (2-5pm)