'Huge Switch' scheme to offer cheap energy - 03/04/2012

A new collective bargaining initiative from energyhelpline.com has been unveiled that will aim to help households in the UK get cheaper energy.

Users who sign up to the Huge Switch scheme will have gas and electricity deals negotiated on their behalf by the independent price comparison site in order to get the best prices when they change supplier.

The programme will create an alternative to the Big Switch campaign being run by Which? and is said to offer a number of improvements.

This will include individuals being able to specify more preferences in order to get a tariff tailored to them, such as green options and deals without a standing charge.

Energyhelpline.com will also take less commission from providers than the £40 Which? is charging suppliers for each customer.

Director of energyhelpline.com Mark Todd said while his company agrees with the concept of the Big Switch, "there are a number of flaws and we believe we have come up with a solution that would be better, cheaper and provide more choice and flexibility for the customer".

Several energy suppliers, including British Gas, have raised concerns about the simplicity and transparency of the Which? initiative and declined to participate as a result.

Mr Todd added six out of ten households in the UK have never switched gas and electricity supplier and have therefore missed out on hundreds of pounds of savings.

He said: "We hope that collective bargaining initiatives such as ours and that run by Which? will help to trigger people into making a change for the better."

Make sure you're not paying too much for your energy - compare gas and electricity prices now at energyhelpline.com or call 0800 074 0745