A concept borrowed from the US could be the key, as people who once felt powerless to drive their bills down, find the support they need.

Boon How is a Sydney lawyer on a mission. Fed up with relentlessly surging energy costs, he's found a way to take on the giant power companies and get a cheaper rate.

“Our household’s energy bills have increased by seventeen per cent as of first of July this year. That will increase again next year, plus the carbon tax, so I imagine that'll affect all households, not just ours,” How said.

• Bill buster bonanza
• Savings, savings, savings
• Power bill breakthroug

We've seen community groups rallying people together for co-op buying discounts, but How's a one-man crusader determined to recruit as many people as possible. His target is to sign up 10,000 households in a month to his online service.

“10,000 Sparks is based on a group-buying scheme in Pennsylvania, which cut energy bills by, fifteen per cent,” Boon said.

Almost 700 people signed up in just the first few hours after the site launched.

“We're aiming for at least five to seven per cent off your bill. Obviously the more people, the better the price.”

Karen Jones of Wagga is a likely 10,000 Sparkes recruit. “When the power bill comes in you have to cut back on everything. In the last quarter it's gone up $150, which is just too much,” she said.

Soaring energy bills have driven Jones to a desperate decision - to stop taking her vital heart medication, just to afford to pay for the family's power.

“Instead of paying your medication, it's got to go back into your power bills. Otherwise the power bill company sends you a letter telling you they're going to cut you off. Because I'm not taking my medication I get dizzy and I feel a bit off,” she said.

Tim Wolfenden who runs power price comparison and switching website, MakeItCheaper says Boon How's crusade to switch thousands of households to cheaper power is a great initiative.

“My advice is to switch companies. You’ve got to start shopping around as there are plenty of deals out there in every state, and huge amount of savings. So shop around, compare prices,” Wolfenden said.

“From a retailer point of view, step up to the mark and start driving bigger discounts to the customers, where you can afford to do it.”

• Make it Cheaper - www.makeitcheaper.com.au
• 10,000 Sparks - www.10000sparks.com.au