A scheme to help residents save money on their energy bills has been launched in Kingston today (Monday).

The Big London Energy Switch encourages groups of residents to team up and change energy suppliers en masse, giving them greater bargaining power to negotiate with energy companies.

The scheme is funded through the Department for Energy and Climate Change’s (DECC) ‘Cheaper Energy Together’ fund.

Each of the 20 London boroughs involved use an equal share of the £686,655 funding to work with the most vulnerable residents who struggle to keep their homes warm.

At Kingston Guildhall today, energy secretary Edward Davey, MP for Kingston and Surbiton, launched the scheme's South West London sub-regional group.

Mr Davey said: “The Big London Energy Switch is an excellent example of the London boroughs working together to secure a better, more affordable price - especially for those people who are feeling the pinch and worried about turning their heating on.”

Kingston Council leader Derek Osbourne added: “With energy bills soaring, we must help Londoners get cheaper energy deals and improve their home energy efficiency.

“Switching collectively to one domestic energy provider to get better energy deals can benefit us all as residents.”

A similar scheme was launched in South Lakeland, Cumbria, in autumn last year.

Since then, residents have reported savings of £60 and £200 per household.

For more information visit biglondonenergyswitch.org.uk