Make the switch and reduce your energy bill

Wokingham Borough Council is encouraging residents to register for Big Community Switch to save money on their energy bills. 

Big Community Switch helps residents switch energy suppliers and move to a renewable electricity tariff. It uses the bargaining power of a large group to help secure lower prices, with all of the energy companies involved offering renewable electricity. 

Registration is open from Friday 1 November and closes Monday 9 December. To register and learn more, visit the ​​Wokingham Borough page on the Big Community Switch website. 

Cllr Stephen Conway, leader of the council, said: “In conjunction with our ambition to make our borough cleaner and greener, we are also very keen to do what we can to help residents with their energy costs. 

“The Big Community Switch is a great way to see if you could save money. There is no obligation to go ahead and registering is free. Winter is approaching and we know many residents have been affected by changes to their income and the rising costs of essentials, including heating their homes.” 

iChoosr, an independent expert in group buying, runs Big Community Switch. Since 2012, iChoosr has been organising schemes with local councils in the UK. All energy suppliers have been vetted before being allowed to participate in the auction. 

Registration is quick and free and there is no obligation to switch to the winning supplier. During the auction, suppliers compete to provide the best deal.

Once the auction has taken place, you will receive your personal offer and see how much money you can save. There is no obligation to accept your personal offer and it is always a good idea to check what else is available. 

In your offer, you will be able to see the details of the winning tariff, such as the standing charge, unit rate and an estimated cost for the next 12 months. 

Making the switch to renewable energy helps the council address the climate emergency. The borough council developed a Climate Emergency Action Plan, following the declaration of a climate emergency in 2019 with the most recent progress report approved at Full Council on Thursday 24 October.  

As the council does not run the Big Community Switch scheme, all enquiries should be directed to the Big Community Switch helpdesk online or call 0800 048 8285 (lines open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm).