The auction of an energy switch scheme that saves households an average of £230 has opened.

The Essex Energy Switch is an annual, county-wide collective campaign designed to help people save on their gas and electricity bills, as well as support those that may be struggling to pay for their energy supplies.

Since the scheme launched in 2014, more than 15,000 people have saved an average of £230 per household on their energy bills, totalling in overall savings £3.5m overall.

Registration for Essex Energy Switch is free and only takes five minutes.

Once registered, there is no obligation to switch providers.

The deadline for registering is Tuesday 12 February 2019.

Councillor Simon Walsh, county council cabinet member for environment and waste, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local communities to come together and make significant savings on their energy bills - the more people that register, the bigger the potential benefit."

To find out more go to www.tinyurl.com/yd34o3a8