This week a scheme is being launched to help people save money on their gas and electricity bills.

Harrow Council are taking part in the London wide scheme-Big Energy Switch which promises to help reduce your bills up to £200. Anyone who pays a household energy bill can take part, this includes tenants and customers on pre payment meters.

The scheme is particularly beneficial to those struggling to keep warm, or who fall in fuel poverty.

Harrow Council joined the scheme last year which uses collective buying power to bring energy prices down, the savings will depend on the current tariff people are on, their payment method and the winning bid.

Portfolio holder for environment, crime and community safety, Councillor Varsha Parmar (Labour) said: “This initiative is a great way for you to find out how you can save money and reduce your energy bills without any obligation to switch.

"Helping our residents and those vulnerable is at the heart of what we do and this is one of many ways we are helping residents during tough times. I hope that many of our residents are able to benefit from this and make big savings.”

In October, councils in London will organise an ‘energy auction’ where energy suppliers will bid to offer the cheapest tariffs to everyone registered. The supplier offering the cheapest tariff sends new contract with a personal offer detailing how much money they can save, you will then have to option to decide whether you wish to accept the offer or not.

You can register by visiting www.harrow.gov.uk/energyswitch with your latest or recent bill with them.

The closing date is October 13, Harrow Council is also holding drop in sessions for those who would like to find out more or do not have access to the internet to sign up.

Drop in sessions:

Saturday , August 23 from 11am to 3pm at St George’s Centre, St Ann’s Road, Harrow

Tuesday , September 2 from 11am to 3pm at Wealdstone Library, High Street, Harrow

Friday, September 5 from 11am to 3pm at Tesco, Station Road, Harrow

Monday, September 8 from 12pm to 2pm at Harrow Civic Centre, Station Road, Harrow

Thursday, September 11 from 5pm to 7pm at Tesco, Station Road