HUNDREDS of pounds could be saved by York residents thanks to a new energy price-lowering scheme.

The scheme is being run by City of York Council and Community Energy Direct.

It is designed to help households save money by taking part in an assisted energy switching scheme, in which households across York join together to create a new co-operative movement.

If they do this, and make a deal with one of the energy suppliers, everyone gets the same low price for their gas and electricity; the more people join the scheme, the greater the benefit for them.

Coun Dave Merrett, the council’s cabinet member for transport, planning and sustainability, said: “Many people never change their energy suppliers as it is deemed a complicated process and are not aware of the financial savings they could make through switching suppliers.

“On average households can save up to £115 per year on their fuel costs by switching suppliers.”