Published on
17 February 2025
Round two for Big Community Switch scheme
Switching to renewable energy helps the council to address the climate emergency
An initiative that aims to help residents to move to renewable energy and save money on their energy bills is returning following a successful start last year.
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 Monday 17 February and closes Thursday 1 May. To register and learn more, visit the Wokingham Borough page on the Big Community Switch website.
Following the first round of registrations, 77 people switched suppliers through the scheme. This saved 54 tonnes of carbon emissions in the first year, equivalent to 54 return flights to New York.
Cllr Stephen Conway, leader of the council, said: “I am pleased to see the return of the Big Community Switch, which saw many residents make the switch to renewable energy and help make a contribution to our collective goal of working towards a carbon neutral Wokingham Borough.
“In addition to reducing emissions, it could help you to save money on your energy bills and we want to do all we can to help residents with the rising cost of living.”
How does the scheme work?
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 to see how much money you can save. There is no obligation to accept your personal offer and it is recommended to check other suppliers before making your decision.
In your offer, you will 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. Wokingham Borough Council developed a Climate Emergency Action Plan, following the declaration of a climate emergency in 2019.
This can be viewed on the Climate Emergency Hub, which brings together information and practical guidance to act as a central point for everyone in the borough to find out more about how to reduce their carbon footprint.
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).
