Couple's bills halved thanks to switch

Brixworth residents William and Audrey Bates registered for the Big Switch Daventry District after attending a drop-in informaiton session at the village library.

The couple were delighted when they received an offer of a new tariff that would save them £400 annually. After agreeing to switch they found their monthly payment for gas and electricity at their detached four-bed property dropped from about £80 a month down to just £45.

Mr Bates, 83, said: “It’s been absolutely brilliant.

“When we tell people how little we pay now they can’t believe it. We were paying almost double that before the switch.

“I would urge anyone to register for the Big Switch. It’s very easy to do and everyone we have spoken to who signed up for the scheme has been delighted with it.”

The Big Switch is a joint effort between DDC and its switching partner iChoosr to use collective purchasing power to secure better energy deals for residents.

Everyone who registers is entered into a collective, with energy companies then invited to bid for their custom in an auction. The deals offered are often cheaper than those advertised to the general public, saving residents who switch about £260 on their annual bills on average.

The spring auction process is currently open and people are urged to register to see how much they could save.

People have until May 16 to sign-up for the spring auction at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/bigswitchdaventry or by phoning the council on (01327) 871100.