AN environmental charity has launched a new initiative to support communities in Hampshire take control of their energy bills.

Global Action Plan has launched the Big Energy Race to engage community groups and help understand their current energy use.

The charity will use a variety of challenges to help households reduce their energy consumption.

The initiative will be rolled out in collaboration with the Energy Saving Trust, Citizens’ Advice Bureau and Energy UK.

It is also supported by major energy providers including Npower, British Gas, EDF and Green Energy.

The race aims to register at least 250 community groups by the end of January 2015, engaging 250,000 households and ultimately reaching more than one million people.

Communities and individuals will compete against each other and accumulate points by undertaking challenges, such as tracking their meter readings or visiting an elderly neighbour who needs help to make their house warmer.

Communities that accumulate the most points will receive a prize, which consists of money towards an energy saving activity in their area.

The Big Energy Race starts its first lap on January 12, 2015.

Andy Deacon, managing partner at Global Action Plan, said: “Using energy efficiently is one of the biggest challenges facing consumers, yet the vast majority feel powerless to act.

“Global Action Plan’s Big Energy Race is a win-win for consumers and providers.

“It will empower communities and individuals to take control, get energy fit together, and ultimately reduce their energy use.”