The district of Uttlesford has saved over £45,000 in energy costs since February this year.

Done in collaboration with Essex Energy Switch, the entire county has managed to put £1 million back into its pocket, with 7,227 residents signing up to the campaign.

Essex Energy Switch holds online auctions each year, where those who have registered can watch top energy providers bid against each other to offer the lowest rates.

Leader of Essex County Council, Councillor David Finch, said: “Collective auctions for competitive energy rates are hosted regularly online, and I urge any residents who missed the Essex Energy Switch to look out for these to help bring their energy bills down.”

So successful has the campaign been in Uttlesford that the standard saving for households is higher than the Essex average; Uttlesford residents have saved an average of £270 this year, while the county overall has saved slightly less at £263.

Since launching in 2014, the Essex Energy Switch has proved a hit with the community. At its first auction, 326 people in Uttlesford registered to save, but just 104 switched providers.

This year, almost half of those who registered decided to switch energy companies with 348 registering and 169 choosing to move to another provider.

Leader of Essex County Council, Councillor David Finch, said: “We have had a great response to the Essex Energy Switch since it was introduced in Essex over 12 months ago.

“I am delighted to think that so many residents have been able to save close to £1 million on their energy bills, and would like to see even more residents take up the offer in the future.”

Open to homeowners, tenants and small to medium businesses, the next online auction will be held in February 2016 with the chance to register in December. Visit essex.gov.uk/energyswitch to find out more.