An innovative energy-switching scheme backed by local councils across the county could save households up to £5 a week off their bills.

The ‘People Power’ initiative aims to tackle the problem of rising gas and electricity prices, which has seen household bills rocket and increase fuel poverty.

By coming together as one collective there are significant savings to be made through People Power and the bulk buying approach. 

The system is up and running in other parts of the country, including Hull and Cornwall,  but this is the first time it is being run by 13 councils across Lancashire.

Organisers say energy savings of up to £250 per household could be made over the year, if at least 15,000 residents sign up.

The more residents that are registered makes it a more attractive proposition for the utility firms, with significant savings passed to the consumer.

Hyndburn council leader Miles Parkinson thinks the scheme is a great idea.

He said: “This Lancashire-wide scheme is an excellent example of how, by working together, your local councils are helping people save money from their energy bills.

“Energy costs take up a large proportion of household incomes so any money we can help people save will be helpful during these difficult times. I would urge residents to sign up to the scheme and ask their families to do the same. This way we will be able to get the best deal from the energy companies.”

Andy Latham, chief officer of Hyndburn Citizens Advice Bureau, said the initiative could ease the impact of increasing prices and cuts in benefits.

He added: “We would support any initiative that enables the consumer to make a more informed choice about their energy supplier and that will save them money. Fuel poverty is a serious issue and one that we see often, particularly among those clients with debt problems.

“On average one in four households in the north of England are in fuel poverty and this figure is likely to be higher among the most deprived areas of Hyndburn.”

Gemma Johnson, CEO of money-saving website MyFamilyClub.co.uk, is also backing the scheme.

She said: “I speak to parents every day who are finding it increasingly difficult to deal with the mounting costs of households bills.”

You can sign up at Scaitcliffe House in Accrington from Monday, February 25, from 9am to 5pm. Roadshows will also be held next month in Accrington on March 22, Great Harwood on March 15 and Oswaldtwistle on March 20.

You can register for the scheme at www.peoplepower.

co.uk before midnight on Monday, April 8, giving details of your most recent energy usage to express your interest.

Registering will include you in the collective group taken to auction on Tuesday, April 9 where energy suppliers will bid for

the business, which residents can then choose to either accept or decline.