Small and medium businesses across Essex can cut their fuel bills by taking part in the new Essex Energy Switch initiative launched by Essex County Council earlier this month.

By visiting www.essex.gov.uk/energyswitch between now and February 2, small and medium sized businesses could save what might be a significant amount of money on their bottom line.

Businesses can avoid wasting valuable time endlessly comparing prices on comparison sites by effectively joining forces with thousands of others and taking part in a giant collective “auction”.

The Essex Energy Switch is open to both residential customers and SMEs and has already attracted almost 1,000 registrations in just a few days.

The auction works by getting energy companies to bid against each other to offer the lowest rate for gas and electricity contracts.

The offer made is calculated based on the number of people and businesses who register over the two month campaign and the businesses existing energy usage and costs.

Penny Elsip, Director, Breakaway Supported Holidays, a Chelmsford based business that provides supported holidays to adults with a learning disability, said: "Registering for the Essex Energy Switch makes clear business sense for any organisation wanting to reduce their energy bills.

"With nothing to lose and big potential gains, I was pleased to sign up for the initiative this week and would encourage other businesses in Essex to do the same. "

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth & Infrastructure, said: “The Essex Energy Switch is open to small and medium sized businesses as well as residential customers and it’s great to hear directly from a small business owner about why they signed up to the initiative.

"I hope other businesses across Essex will look to make a difference to their bottom line with energy bill savings by spending a few minutes registering."