The first Essex Energy Switch has secured total savings on gas and electricity bills of over £250,000 for residents in the county.

Over 1,200 people accepted offers to switch energy providers with the collective savings scheme, with average savings per household of £209.

The Essex Energy Switch works by bringing together residents who want to switch providers and pay less for their gas and electricity bills. The scheme is run by Essex County Council, in partnership with district, borough and city councils, and delivered by iChoosr, an independent provider which specialises in collective energy switching.

Essex residents were able to sign up for the Energy Switch during January and February. A one-day ‘auction’ then took place, with energy companies coming forward to offer their best possible tariffs.

The 4,489 residents who signed up for the scheme each received a personalised offer detailing how much they could save, with no obligation to switch. Twenty eight per cent of residents accepted their offers and were guided through the switching process.

County councillor Roger Walters, cabinet member for waste & recycling said: “I am pleased that that this scheme has been a success and has benefited so many Essex residents. We will be running the scheme again later this year and hope that even more residents take the opportunity to register and save money by changing their energy suppliers.”

The county council is hoping to launch a second phase of the Essex Energy Switch this summer.

For further details on the scheme and advice on saving energy in the home, visit essex.gov.uk/energyswitch