THE Cyd Cymru collective energy switching scheme for Wales launched by the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff councils has had a brilliant response from the Welsh public with 3500 people already signed up.

Developed by the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff councils with support from Welsh Government, other local authorities and housing associations across Wales, Cyd Cymru provides an opportunity to change the way we buy our energy, simplify a complex tariff system and aim to address the issue of rising fuel prices.

Councillor Rob Curtis, Vale council Cabinet Member for Environment and Visible Services said: “With nearly a thousand people a week signing up, I’m delighted people are realising they don’t have to accept the price hikes of the ‘Big 6’ and explore our alternative of a simpler and better value fuel tariff. The more people we sign up the better the potential for a good deal so I’d urge everyone who hasn’t registered yet to do so as soon as possible.”

Cardiff Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Ashley Govier said: “I’m really pleased so many people have signed up but we want more and more people to get involved as there’s potential for people to make real savings on their energy bills. Prices continue to rise and with a government watchdog warning price hikes could last another 17 years, now is the perfect time to register for Cyd Cymru.”

Also central to the Cyd Cymru initiative is advice on how to make changes to your home that can save energy and reduce your bills. Cyd Cymru Partner, the Energy Saving Trust, is supporting the scheme with outreach events and a website. www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/wales. They are providing simple energy efficiency tips to get you started and advice on the home improvements that will make you the most savings, through to expert advice on generating energy with renewable technologies.

It’s very easy to register, just go to www.cydcymru-energy.com or call 0800 093 5902. Full details of all the events scheduled can also be found on the website.