Council reaches out to help residents switch provider and cut energy bills

Swindon Borough Council is helping residents to cut their energy bills by switching energy supplier.

Switching could save average households £300, and those switching could get cash back of up £30 for an on-line switch, or £22 for switching via the helpline.

Swindon Money Matters is a service to help people take control of their energy bills, providing free and impartial advice.

Cllr Brian Ford, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Health and Social Care, said: “We know that lots of Swindon residents are paying more for their energy than necessary because they are not switching energy provider. There are some 10,500 Council homes and a high proportion of these Council tenants are on ‘pay as you go’ tariffs, meaning they are spending more on their energy than they need to.  And we’re sure it’s the same picture for other Swindon residents.

“But our initiative can offer plenty more benefits - as part of the Council's wider Affordable Warmth programme, the campaign is also about helping residents heat their homes better and allay poor health, free up valuable income for other vital expenses and increase the take-up of Warm Home Discount payments. As regards our Council tenants, we want to help make their housing as affordable as possible to improve quality of life and avoid falling into rent arrears.

“It’s never been easier to switch energy supplier and prices could go up any day so make today your ‘switch day’. They say ‘time’s money’ and taking just 10 minutes to switch online, or a quick call to our helpline, could save you hundreds of pounds.”

Log on to www.swindon.gov.uk/swindonenergymatters or call 0800 093 3218 to speak to an Energy Advisor. Don’t forget to have a recent bill or statement handy, as well as checking in advance who supplies your gas and electricity,  how much you pay, and how often.

For further information,contact the council's Warm and Safe Energy Advice Service on 0117 934 1964 or email [email protected].