Save money by buying energy together – that’s the message from Pembrokeshire County Council.

The Authority is backing a collective energy switching scheme in Wales called Cyd Cymru.

Developed by Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan local authorities - with the support of other councils across Wales - the scheme encourages households to band together to get the lowest possible price for their gas and electricity bills.

Last year, the people who took part in it saved £185 on their electricity bills on average – with an astonishing £284,000 saved across Wales.

“The Cyd Cymru scheme is a great opportunity to make real savings to your energy bills,” said Cllr Sue Perkins, anti-poverty Champion for the County Council.

“With winter here, we are urging residents to sign up - and tell their friends and family about it too.

“Registration is available to all households in Pembrokeshire who pay their energy bill directly to an energy company, regardless of household income or property type.

“It is free to register and switch, with no obligation to do so.”

The idea behind Cyd Cymru’s collective energy switching is similar to bulk-buying products in order to get a better price.

However, those interested in receiving a better deal need to get together as a ‘collective' before approaching the energy suppliers.

The more people who get involved the more attractive the group of customers is likely to be to the energy suppliers, and the better the tariff offered.

The 2015 registration period runs started runs until March 1, and the switching window takes place between March 2 and 16.

For more information visit www.cydcymru-energy.com.