ALMOST 9,000 householders used the Essex Energy Switch to save an average of £260 each.

The switch was held for the second time this year and thousands of residents were written to about the deals that could be on offer for them.

The scheme – which feeds into the Big Community Switch – uses an auction to secure the most competitive rates for gas and electricity by using mass buying power. The latest auction saw 16,500 residents come together for the switch – 27 per cent of whom were from Essex.

County councillor Kevin Bentley, cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We have had a great response to the Essex Energy Switch since it was introduced in Essex just over 12 months ago, and it is even more positive to know Essex as a county has gained the highest collective sign-up across the country.

“Collective auctions for competitive energy rates are hosted regularly online, and we urge any residents who missed out to look out for these to help bring their energy bills down.”

The second auction has generated the most competitive rate offered yet, and residents taking part now have until mid- March to accept or decline the rate being offered as a result of the collective auction.

For further information, see essex.gov.uk/Pages/Energy Switch. aspx