Deadline for Big Community Switch brought forward

Time is running out to sign up for the Big Community Switch, an initiative that aims to help residents save money on their bills while making the move to renewable energy.

Big Community Switch uses the bargaining power of a large group to help secure lower prices.

The deadline for the Wokingham Borough offer was previously Thursday 1 May, but this has now been brought forward to Friday 11 April.

This includes a free registration and acceptance of the personal offer, which will set out how much of a saving each household can make.

To register and learn more, visit the ​​Wokingham Borough page on the Big Community Switch website. 

According to latest figures, residents currently using dual fuel and pay by monthly direct debit could save an average of £290 per year. Those with electricity only and also using monthly direct debit could save an average of £115.

Cllr Katrin Harding, executive member for environment and climate change, said: “Making the switch is not only good for the borough’s carbon footprint, it could also help you save money on your energy bills by providing a fixed price and protecting you against further rises in the energy market.

“The tariff also offers 100% renewable energy, helping us on our journey to make the borough carbon neutral.”

The first round of registrations for the Big Community Switch took place last year and saw 77 households make the switch. This will save 54 tonnes of carbon emissions in the first year, equivalent to 54 return flights to New York.

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. 

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

There is no obligation to accept the offer and it is recommended to check other suppliers before making a decision.

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.

Residents can find out more about how to lower their carbon footprint on the council’s website.

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).