Farron urges South Lakes residents to sign up to the Big Deal to take on the Big Six and get cheaper energy bills

South Lakes MP, Tim Farron, has today urged local residents to sign up to The Big Deal campaign to beat the Big Six energy companies and save hundreds of pounds on their energy bills.

The Big Deal is a national campaign for cheaper energy. It brings people together to harness their collective buying power and deliver lower bills.

The Big Deal launched nationwide this week, and has already received support from senior figures in every major party. Five thousand people have already signed up in just a few days.

Since 2005 the average annual dual fuel bill from the six largest energy companies has more than doubled from under £600 to over £1,200.

The Big Deal will be particularly attractive for those who never switch their energy supplier. A 2012 study found that those who don't switch regularly pay up to £330 a year more for the same amount of energy.

Similar schemes across the world have led to savings of 16.5%. In Britain the equivalent would be about £200 per person.

You can sign up online in less than a minute at www.thisisthebigdeal.com, or by calling 0333 222 5871 anytime on standard rates. There is no obligation to switch.

Commenting, Tim said:

"Energy bills are one of the biggest strains on household budgets for my constituents, and I hear from countless people who feel powerless after years of price rises.

"That is why I have signed up to The Big Deal today, and I am encouraging people across South Lakeland to do the same. Together, we can beat the Big Six and save hundreds of pounds."

Henry de Zoete, Co-founder of The Big Deal, said:

"We are delighted that Tim has chosen to support The Big Deal. Energy bills have become completely unaffordable. By joining together we can take on the Big Six and demand cheaper bills. It's all about people power - more people means lower bills."