Just five days left to sign up for Fair Energy

Residents have until 8 April to sign up to an energy switching scheme that could slash money from their gas and electricity bills.

The scheme uses ‘people power’ to get the energy companies to offer a better deal to local consumers. More than 35,000people signed up to the first phase, around 1,800 of them Bury residents, and were offered savings totalling £3 million.

The Fair Energy campaign is now in its second phase and is open to anyone, including residents who have pre-payment meters. The more households that sign up, the better the deal for everyone.

It's easy and quick to register: just fill in one simple online form at www.gmfairenergy.com - or call Freephone 0800 009 3363 - and have your recent energy bills to hand. Soon after the 8 Aprildeadline, you will receive an offer. If you like the deal, you can sign up to it. But if you don't, there's no obligation whatsoever.

The GM Fair Energy scheme is backed by Bury Council and those across Greater Manchester.

Some examples of how Bury people have benefitted:

* Ruby said: “We last switched about two and a half years ago, and have avoided switching as the different suppliers told us we could 'pay as little as we want', so I found it hard to find out if I would actually be better off or just landed with a big bill later. With two young children the £200 saving will make a big difference to us.”

* Amanda said: “I saved £243 (including the £46 cashback) - I didn't even know what tariff I was on until I checked the offer. I'd just fixed my tariff for 12 months so it didn't go up, but I didn't know it was a high 'standard' tariff with no discount. Even with the cancellation fee with my current supplier, I still save!”

* David said: “We heard about it from Facebook. We decided to give it a go as it didn’t cost us and we had the chance to save money. We had thought our bills were a little high. But I had just moved to the area from Yorkshire (yes, I'm a tight Yorkshireman!) and my partner had inherited the house from her father. Her dad had never changed in years and was loyal to the supplier. The quote we got should save us £150 which makes a difference to us as I am struggling to find work over here and my partner left her job to look after her deceased dad.”

** A company called Emerge will be in Bury promoting the GM Fair Energy Campaign on 4 and 5 April.

They will be knocking on doors in four areas of Bury – Ramsbottom, Moorside, East Bury and Besses – and will carry ID to reassure residents.

ENDS

Press release issued: 3 April 2013.