200,000 join The Big Switch and cross-party support continues to grow

Over 200,000 people have now signed up to The Big Switch to help them get a better deal on their energy bills.

The Big Switch campaign, a partnership between Which? and 38 Degrees, aims to help people struggling with rising energy prices by using the combined switching power of thousands of consumers to negotiate cheaper gas and electricity bills.

Cross-party support also continues to grow with more than 35 MPs signing up to The Big Switch at a parliamentary event last night.

Over 100 MPs, representing all three major parties, have also signalled support by signing The Big Switch campaign Early Day Motion.

Richard Lloyd, executive director, said:

“It is fantastic that so many people are taking action to get a better deal on their energy bills. We know people are really struggling with bills as their household incomes are squeezed.

“The Big Switch is the first time UK consumers will come together in such big numbers to negotiate cheaper energy deals. This is also a great opportunity for the energy companies to show real commitment to giving their customers the best possible price for their energy.”

Key facts:

  • According to Ofgem, 60% of consumers have never switched energy supplier;
  • 75% of people are currently on their supplier’s ‘default’ standard tariff; and
  • Which? research has shown that consumers are missing out on £4 billion a year by not switching.

Notes to Editor

  • 200,361 people have now signed up online [as at 1000 hrs on Tuesday 6th March]. This consists of 179,743 online signups plus 20,618 postal signups.
  • Further information on The Big Switch Early Day Motion can be found here: http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2010-12/2755
  • What is The Big Switch? Using the combined switching power of thousands of consumers, we’ll negotiate with energy suppliers and seek to secure a market leading deal.
  • How will The Big Switch work? After initially registering, later this spring we’ll be asking people to supply more details about their current tariffs so that we can negotiate the best deal. This will take place as a ‘reverse auction’, where companies are invited to submit their lowest price per kilowatt of electricity and cubic meter of gas.  Once we’ve negotiated a new deal with the winning energy company, we’ll get in touch to let people know how much they could save and handle the switch if people wish to go ahead.
  • How do you sign up? Visit: https://www.whichbigswitch.co.uk/ It just takes a couple of minutes – only your name, address and email address are required at this stage.
  • More information on The Big Switch is available here:  http://www.which.co.uk/energy/saving-money/guides/the-big-switch-explained/

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