Householders in Cornwall are being encouraged to join forces to cut their energy bills through a new initiative called Community Energy Switch.

The collective switching service has been launched by Cornwall-based charity Community Energy Plus, which provides services to help householders reduce their energy use and ensure that they can afford to heat their homes. 

The charity is working with the national switching organisation, energyhelpline, to co-ordinate a collective switch and link into the group-buying power of several other collectives operating across the country at the same time. 

Householders have until March 1 to register, after which UK energy suppliers will compete to offer the cheapest tariffs to those who have signed up for the collective switch. Community Energy Plus is confident that those who sign up will benefit from significant savings. 

Those interested in switching can register online at http://www.communityenergy">www.communityenergy switch.org.uk or call free phone 0800 804 7247.

Dr Tim Jones, chief executive at Community Energy Plus, said: 'While many people are aware that changing tariff or supplier could save them money, it's something that many of us keep putting off because we think it's too difficult. We've set up Community Energy Switch to overcome the barriers people meet when thinking about switching and to help householders in Cornwall take control of their energy bills. The more people that register, the more power we have to negotiate a special deal with energy suppliers and the more money we save.'

The initiative is being endorsed and promoted by Cornwall Council, NHS Kernow, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust and the Winter Wellbeing Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Cornwall Councillor Julian German said: 'A similar initiative was launched in 2012 which proved hugely successful. "Cornwall Together" saved hundreds of people hundreds of pounds. By joining forces with our partners again, and launching a similar scheme, we hope we will achieve the same positive results. This is people power in action – by joining in a collective switch, individuals can make real savings.'

Householders who register their details will be contacted with details of the winning energy deal from March 2. As well as being offered the winning tariff they will also see all other tariffs in the market, so if another tariff suits an individual's energy needs more, they can sign up for that instead.

Once a householder has agreed to switch, the necessary arrangements will be made on their behalf with their old and new suppliers.

Community Energy Plus was previously a lead partner in Cornwall Together which carried out two collective switches in 2012 and 2013.