RESIDENTS are being made aware of the pros and cons of the new private gas companies who claim money will be saved on gas bills.

With the domestic gas market being thrown open to competition this June, Harlow Council warns that while some householders may benefit from new company deals, confused customers could lose out.

To combat this, the council hope to set up a consortium of local people to help them save money on their fuel bills.

A similar scheme joining 75,000 householders in Newcastle has boasted community savings of £5million.

Deputy council leader Alan Jones said: "If thousands of local people join together to bulk purchase gas, we will obviously have very strong negotiating powers with the suppliers".

Gas companies competing for customers should force prices down, but Mr Jones is concerned this may favour residents paying by direct debit and that people using keys or pay meters may lose out.

A bright yellow leaflet explaining gas deregulation and a form to sign-up for the consortium will accompany every Harlow council tax bills next month.

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