West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has this week welcomed efforts by Malvern Hills District Council to help local people reduce their energy bills. Residents in Malvern Hills are able to sign up to a scheme which will offer significant savings on annual bills by switching energy provider as a group. Householders need to sign up for the scheme by November 18 when energy providers will be able to bid for the collective account. The lowest bidder will be selected as energy provider for the whole group and it is expected to offer savings of up to £250. Harriett commented: "I congratulate Malvern Hills District Council for this important initiative. Energy bills form a large part of annual household expenditure and any potential savings will be welcomed by everyone. "This scheme allows us to work together as a community to make the most of our joint buying power. "Along with the council's bulk buying scheme for heating oil, Malvern Hills District Council is doing great work helping people to make keeping warm affordable for all this year. I have also put a link to other Government schemes on my website."