So far nearly 700 city households have signed up to Norwich's Big Switch and Save scheme, raising hopes for the success of the collective switching scheme.

Launched by Norwich City Council on Monday, October 22, the aim of the project is to drive down the costs of energy bills by negotiating a group deal for the registered households at an auction with energy suppliers.

The scheme is free and there are no obligations for people to take up the deal that is negotiated by the city council.

Bert Bremner, cabinet member with responsibility for environmental strategy, said: 'It's worth everyone's while to sign up to find out how much they stand to save. It's really pleasing to see so many people doing just that already.

'Whatever your income, every household will appreciate saving money on utility bills, particularly when a number of companies have recently announced putting charges up by around eight per cent.

'We want to help every household in Norwich maximise their income and we especially want out reach out to the estimated 10,000 homes which we believe are facing fuel poverty this winter.'

Online registration is open until Sunday, November 25 and emails will be sent announcing the energy deal on or around Friday, November 30. People will then have until Wednesday, December 19 to decide whether to switch.

There is a limited facility for people registering without the internet, for which registration closes on Friday, November 16 and a decision will need to be made by Friday, December 14. For more information, call 0344 980 3333.

To register, go to www.norwich.gov.uk, where an energy bill will be needed to apply. Help for online registrants is available on 0800 0988 994.

- Do you think the scheme will prove successful? Write to Evening News Letters, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE, email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk or leave a comment below.