The Big Community Switch gathers together a lot of people to form a single powerful buying unit to negotiate cheaper energy bills. An auction is then organised and the supplier who offers the best tariff will be able to offer you a new contract. National energy suppliers are invited to participate in the auction.

After the auction you will receive a personal offer and will be able to see how much money you will save. You can then decide whether or not to accept the offer.

Are you eligible to join the Big Community Switch?

The Big Community Switch is available to all householders, including people living in rented accommodation. The energy bill must be in your name or your partners.

The scheme is also open to householders with a prepayment meter. The main six suppliers have agreed with Ofgem that prepayment meter consumers with a debt of up to £500 can switch if they choose to swap suppliers.

The outcome of the auction is based on the personal usage you provide and is compared with the tariff you are currently on. You can decide whether the offer is interesting enough to switch, there is no charge, even if you decide not to accept the offer.

How much will I save?

The amount you could save depends on your gas and electricity usage. In the previous three Big Community Switch auctions Stockton residents have collectively saved over £61,000 on their gas and electricity bills, with the average saving per resident of just over £147.

Once you have registered and the auction has taken place you will be sent a personal offer. This will include information about the winning offer and details of how much you would pay for gas and electricity under the new supplier compared to your current supplier.

There is no charge for switching your energy supplier through the Big Community Switch, however, if you have signed up to a certain contract period with your current supplier they may charge you an early termination fee to switch.

Take part in the Big Community Switch

The current round of registrations will begin on Tuesday 13 August 2019 and close midnight, Monday 25 November 2019.

You can register for upcoming schemes on the Big Community Switch website. Please have an annual statement or current bill to hand.

If you prefer, you can also register in person at:

Stockton & District Advice and Information Service, Unit 22, Wellington Square Shopping Centre, Stockton-On-Tees, TS18 1NA (Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm).

Or for support with switching please call 01642 633877 to arrange an appointment. Please take your annual energy statement or your recent gas and electricity bill with you.

After the auction

Once the auction is complete and you have received your personal offer, you can choose whether you wish to accept the winning offer or not. If you decide to switch, your details will be shared with the winning supplier.

If you decide not to switch your details will not be shared and you will not be contacted again about this deal. You will still be able to sign up and take part in future auctions.