Households in Greater Manchester are being encouraged to save money by switching to renewable electricity in a “pioneering” green scheme.
Residents could save hundreds of pounds on their energy bills by moving from their current tariffs to the cheapest clean deals, with households saving an average of £290 in a pilot in September, organisers said.
The scheme, which backers say is a first for the UK, aims to save people money on their bills by helping them find the best deals from renewable power suppliers, as well as helping the environment.
The Greater Manchester Big Clean Switch is being backed by politicians, the area’s 10 local authorities and organisations including Bolton Wanderers FC, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Manchester Metropolitan University and the NHS in Greater Manchester.
It is funded by a commission on the suppliers, which does not affect the available tariffs, and a third of the money will be used by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority for environmental projects across the region.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Bury Council Leader Rishi Shori and Stockport Deputy Mayor Walter Brett have saved more than £1,000 a year between them by switching to cheaper clean deals and are urging residents to take advantage of the scheme.
Mr Burnham said: “If just one in 100 homes across Greater Manchester switches to a clean tariff, that’s the carbon emissions equivalent of taking more than 10,000 cars off the road.
“At the same time, I was genuinely surprised at how much we were able to save by switching our own home.
“If we can help others do the same, we can make Greater Manchester a cleaner, greener, more affordable city to live.”
Mr Shori said: “There’s a common perception that renewable electricity is eye-wateringly expensive and that switching is a hassle. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
“It took me less than five minutes to get a quote and switch and we saved over £300.”
Chris Fletcher, director of marketing and campaigns at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce said: “The publication of the government’s Clean Growth Strategy last week highlighted the increasing importance that low carbon industry is going to have to our economic prosperity, and Greater Manchester businesses are well-placed to play a leading role.
“What better way to support this growing sector than by helping local residents save money by switching to clean power?”
The campaign website, which helps residents compare clean energy prices and switch, also includes a link to a “whole-market” comparison service so families on low incomes can access the best possible deals.
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