BOROUGH residents could save £173 on their energy bills by registering for Dudley Council's big switch campaign.

The campaign is part of a national initiative where councils across the country go to auction to see which energy company will offer the best tariff for residents.

This will be the fourth auction the council has taken part in.

In the first three auctions, approximately 2,500 Dudley households registered to find out if they could switch and save on their energy bills.

Following February's auction, more than 100 people switching saved an average of £173 a year on their energy bills.

John Polychronakis, the council's chief executive, said: “Although the winter months are now behind us this isn’t a time to be complacent. I would encourage residents to act now against increasing fuel prices by registering for this most recent auction.

"Tackling fuel poverty and promoting energy saving schemes is a top priority for the council and we’re pleased that our previous auctions have attracted significant interest.”

Registration for the next auction, which takes place on June 10, is now open.

The more people that register, the greater the opportunity for a better deal from the energy providers.

Residents can also compare their current tariff with other energy companies on the market, using any of the energy comparison sites available online.

Once the auction has taken place, the successful energy companies will write to registrants with their offer but there is no obligation to switch.

People can register online at http://bigcommunityswitch.ichoosr.com/Product/index.rails?actionId=340 or by calling Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345.

Details of energy usage (latest energy bill) is required to complete the registration process.