RESIDENTS can be first in line to sign up for Swindon’s second collective switching scheme, which uses people power to reduce energy bills.

The scheme officially opens on Tuesday, December 10, but people can pre-register from today by emailing energyswitch@swindon.gov.uk.

As the big six gas and electricity providers have all recently announced price hikes, people are being encouraged to try and beat the increases by joining in the scheme.

It works by using the combined buying power of residents from the borough and across the country to negotiate cheaper prices with energy companies.

Rather than switching provider as an individual, residents register to switch and save as a large group all at the same time to achieve economies of scale. Residents do not even have to live in the borough to take part.

There is no obligation to accept the offer. Registration opens on December 10 and closes on Monday, 17 February, 2014, when energy suppliers will be asked to compete to make the best offer in a ‘reverse auction’, which means the lowest price wins.

Swindon took part in its first switching scheme in April and more than 750 people signed up during the registration period, resulting in hundreds of families saving an average of £72 a year on their bills. The more people who express an interest, the more likely better tariffs will be achieved.

Although the level of savings cannot be guaranteed, people in other areas have seen their bills drop by between £60 and £300.