The final opportunity to register for big savings on fuel bills through the Essex Energy Switch is approaching fast.

Next week is the last chance to sign up before the 1 February deadline. Don’t forget, even if you switched with us last year, you’ll need to re-register for this year’s auction.

The Essex Energy Switch can help householders cut down on the costs of their energy, reducing bills by an average of £263.

Once the deadline has passed, the switch process pits energy providers against one another, with each provider bidding for the custom of those who have registered for the switch. Whoever can offer the cheapest prices will be the winner.

As a result of last year’s Energy Switch, 2,486 residents switched providers, making an average saving of £263 per household.

This resulted in a whopping £653,818 being saved by switchers.

Over the last three years, we have helped Essex people switch gas and electricity suppliers 7,227 times.

Cllr David Finch, Leader of Essex County Council said: “The savings speak for themselves. I would encourage residents to sign up for the switch regardless of whether or not they are happy with their current providers.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for residents across Essex to make significant savings. Don’t forget, the more people who register, the cheaper the price on offer.”

When the winning bidder has been decided, letters will be sent to those who registered. There is then a short period allowing residents to decide whether to switch providers or not.

If a resident is unhappy with the new tariffs being offered, they are under no obligation to change provider. On top of this, the registration process is free and only takes five minutes.

New figures show that a record 3.8 million consumers across the UK, switched providers last year, with 338,000 making the switch in December alone.

For more information on the Switch and to find out how to register, visit our website at www.essex.gov.uk/energyswitch.