John Baron MP encourages constituents to join Essex Energy Switch

, Paul Hinsley and Richard Wilson [Essex County Council]”]

MP visits stand at Eastgate Centre and congratulates Essex County Council on its initiative

John Baron MP has visited the Basildon Eastgate Centre to hear more about the Essex Energy Switch and encourage local people to sign up. By joining forces with thousands of fellow Essex residents and registering an interest in changing energy supplier at www.essex.gov.uk/energyswitch participants will be entered into a collective auction.

The auction works by getting energy companies to bid against each other to offer the lowest rate for gas and electricity contracts. The more people who register, the better the price offered is likely to be, although usage and the amount residents already pay will also play a part in the calculation.

John said:

“This is an excellent initiative to help people get the best possible deal from their energy company. I encourage local residents to sign up and save money on their bills. Congratulations to Essex County Council on the idea.”

Councillor David Finch, Leader of Essex County Council said:

“With the costs of heating our homes over winter appearing to rise every year, the Essex Energy Switch is a free, easy and secure way to cut our energy bills.”

“I signed up to this initiative last year and saved money along with well over a thousand Essex residents. This year I want more people to sign up to save. It’s a simple message: don’t delay, register today.”

The initiative has also gained the support of various community and residents groups across the county including Age UK Essex, Citizens Advice and the Rural Communities Council of Essex (RCCE). All of these organisations are encouraging Essex residents to visit www.essex.gov.uk/energyswitch.

Notes to Editors

The attached photo shows John with L-R Mohammad Hossain [Customer], Paul Hinsley and Richard Wilson [Essex County Council].

Members of the public are encouraged to visit www.essex.gov.uk/energyswitch for more information and to register for the initiative.

For more information about the initiative please contact Phil Hall at: phil.hall@essex.gov.uk or telephone: 07905 912514.