SWITCHING energy suppliers could mean smaller bills and Gloucestershire County Council is encouraging residents to make a change.

The county council is participating in the Big Community Switch to help people get cheaper gas and electricity by working together.

The Big Community Switch uses bulk buying as if a large number of people want to change supplier together they are likely to get a better deal than just one person shopping around.

In the last auction held on 3rd February, average savings for people who registered through the county council was around £250 a year which was just ahead of the national figure of £236.

Residents need to register their interest with the Big Community Switch by May 18 at the latest. 

This can be done online at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/bigcommunityswitch or by phoning the council on 01452 42 57 57 between 8.30am and 5pm from Monday to Friday. By doing this, you are under no obligation to switch supplier.

Those interested in signing up only need to provide basic information at this stage such as name, address, contact details, an indication of their energy consumption and whether they wish to consider switching for both gas and electricity, or electricity only. 

It's a good idea to have a recent bill to hand as it makes registering easier and more accurate registration means a more accurate offer.

Residents who have registered their interest will receive a personalised energy offer during late May or early June.