AS WINTER begins to bite, Swindon today launched its second collective switching scheme to help residents save money on their energy bills.

More than 120 people have already pre-registered to take part in the scheme, which last time helped hundreds of families to save an average of £72 a year on their bills.

The big six gas and electricity providers all recently announced price increases so Swindon Council asks people to join the initiative, run in partnership with website ichoosr.

The scheme works by using the combined buying power of residents to negotiate cheaper prices. Rather than switching provider as an individual, residents register to switch as a group to achieve economies of scale. You don’t have to live in Swindon to join.

Swindon took part in its first switching scheme in April when more than 750 people signed up. The more people who express an interest, the more likely it is that better tariffs will be achieved. Although savings cannot be guaranteed, previous participants have seen bills drop by £60 and £300.

People can register interest until February 17. Anyone without internet access can visit the council’s One Stop Shop on Beckhampton Street.

Coun Dale Heenan said: “This is practical action that all 90,000 households in Swindon can take to cut bills. It is free and without obligation.” Visit www.swindon.gov.uk/energyswitch