A new scheme has been launched to help North Lanarkshire residents save on their gas and electricity bills by switching energy providers.

A combined total of over £205,000 was saved by residents thanks to North Lanarkshire Council’s Big Switch scheme which was opened in March.

Now the local authority has launched Big Switch 2 so more households can sign-up and save.

Des Murray, head of housing property, said: “Our scheme makes it quick and simple for everyone to potentially save on their bills.

“Our residents who took part in our first Big Switch campaign are reaping the rewards to the tune of £313 on average.

“We launched the scheme earlier this year and more than 1,700 households took part. The savings some people made were incredible with some saving as much as £800 per annum. Since then we’ve had lots of people asking how they could take part so we decided to launch the Big Switch 2.

“With winter just around the corner, there has never been a better time to cut your costs.”

The scheme is open to all households and uses collective switching to help drive down energy costs.

North Lanarkshire resident Elaine Johnston, who was one of those who signed up earlier, said: “I wasn’t happy with the service from my previous energy supplier so when I heard about the council scheme I decided to make the switch.

“The savings have been great, it was easy to do and we have some extra money to spend on other things now.”

Taking part is free, quick and simple with no obligation to switch. Registration is open now and closes on 12 October.

To take part, all you need is a recent energy bill or statement and register at: www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/thebigswitch.

@nlcpeople