Talking Politics: Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr David Renard

Many readers will be aware that some utility companies are either putting up or about to put up electricity prices by 12.5% and we will all have noticed that the nights are arriving earlier and the temperatures dropping.

That’s why this is the perfect time for the council to launch its autumn drive to help residents look at switching opportunities and drive down their bills using Swindon Energy Matters.

Energy bills are a challenge for everyone, but some people may not realise that switching energy supplier could save up to £616 a year, with the chance of getting  cashback of up £30 for an on-line switch, or £22 for switching via the helpline.

The Swindon Energy Matters campaign has been developed by our energy efficiency team and Swindon Money Matters to help people seize control of their energy bills, whether they have a credit or pre-payment (Pay As You Go) meter.

We know that plenty of Swindon residents are paying more for their energy than necessary because they don't switch energy provider. Out of the 10,500 or so council homes, a high proportion of these Council tenants are on ‘pay as you go’ tariffs.

This means they could be spending more on their energy than they really need to and it's likely the same applies to other Swindon residents.

There are deals out there for ‘pay as you go’ customers, and even better savings could be achieved by changing to a credit meter.

The campaign is focussed on all Swindon residents, whether they are in council accommodation, own their own homes or rent privately, and we want to really help households get better value for their fuel.

Visit www.swindon.gov.uk/swindonenergymatters or call 0800 093 3218.