RESIDENTS across the Dudley borough are invited to take part in the next Big Switch auction which could save them hundreds of pounds on their energy bills.

The Big Switch energy savin scheme has been running for several years and is growing in popularity due to the savings that can be made on home gas and electricity bills.

More than 10,000 borough households have switched energy provider since the scheme started and the next auction is due to take place on Tuesday May 18.

Energy bill savings of up to £500 a year are typically made when registering for the Big Switch and market leading deals are on offer, which are not available elsewhere.

With gas and electricity bills on the rise and research indicating that people are reluctant to switch because they find it too confusing, the Big Switch is the perfect solution.

Part of a national government initiative, the Big Switch scheme sees councils coming together and taking part in a collective energy switching auction.

By joining together, they are able to get the best energy deals through the power of bulk buying.

Households on a standard variable tariff are likely to see significant savings through the Big Switch.

To register with Dudley’s Big Switch, visit the council’s website dudley.gov.uk/bigswitch.

Alternatively, people can register by calling Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345, they will then be guided through the process.

They will need to have their current tariff details and fuel usage (shown on their most recent bill) to hand.

People can register until Monday May 17 and the auction will take place the following day.

People will then have the option of switching energy supplier to the company offering the very best deal. However, there is no obligation to switch.

Councillor Laura Taylor, Dudley Council's cabinet member elect for housing and community services, said: "We had the biggest response we’ve seen for the last auction, which took place in February, with more than 2,000 people registering to take part and 25 percent choosing to switch with an average saving of more than £200.

"I’d urge people to register and see what they could save. The very nature of the scheme is the more people that register, the better the deals could be. It really is worth doing."

The Big Switch is open to all householders, including people living in rented accommodation, those with a prepayment meter and people with a fuel debt of up to £500 or less.