Hackney Council is urging residents to sign up for the Big London Energy Switch in a bid to cut gas and electricity bills.

The council is joining 19 other London boroughs and the organisation which represents London local authorities, London Councils, to support the scheme which has been awarded £686,655 by the Department for Energy and Climate Change.

Councillor Sophie Linden, the cabinet member for crime, sustainability and customer services said: “The Big London Energy Switch is a simple idea that could mean real savings for local people.

“With thousands of people in Hackney in fuel poverty, every penny saved would make a real difference to the lives of local people and their families.”

To register residents need to state their current energy company for gas and electricity, the full name of the tariff they are currently on, their annual consumption of gas and electricity either in kilowatt hours (kWh) or pounds (£) and details about whether they pay bills by direct debit, prepayment card or quarterly bill with a cash or cheque.

To sign up before April 8 go to www.biglondonenergyswitch.org.uk.