BURY residents who are worried about the rising cost of energy bills this winter are being urged to get a better deal by using a new price comparison website, backed by council chiefs.

The Better Energy Deals website has been launched by the 10 councils in Greater Manchester to combat a rise in energy prices recently announced by a number of providers.

To check whether residents are eligible for cheaper energy bills, they need to enter their postcode and information about what they are currently paying.

In a switching scheme which was held earlier this year, more than 40,000 people across Greater Manchester took part and some residents were able to reduce their bills by £900.

On average, £122 was saved by every household that took part.

People were invited to join two ‘reverse auctions’, before being offered new deals on their gas and electricity bills, which they could accept or reject.

Another auction will be held early next year for those who miss out on the chance to find better deals on the comparison website.

Cllr Mike Connolly, leader of Bury Council, said the website will allow people to check if they can get a better deal before the next energy auction.

He said: “Everyone knows how much fuel bills have risen recently, and many will be struggling to keep their house warm this winter. This is why we’ve worked together to set up this comparison site, so that people can see if they can save money before the cold really starts to bite.

“Another energy auction will be held in the New Year, but hopefully this site will help people who are worried that they can’t wait that long.”

The website can be accessed by visiting betterenergydeals.org.uk, and customers seeking more information can call energy advisers on 0800 988 2426.