Essex Energy Watch
Two community schemes have been established to help you reduce the cost of your fuel through bulk purchase, the Maldon/Essex Energy Switch and Bulk Oil Buying.
Maldon/Essex Energy Switch
Don’t pay more than necessary for your gas and electricity. Switching your supplier on a regular basis helps ensure you get the best deals. The Essex Energy Switch is a scheme where residents can sign up to receive cheaper energy tariffs. Many people are paying too much for their gas and electricity and haven’t changed suppliers in years, if at all. Join the Essex Energy Switch scheme today to see if you can secure a better energy deal for the year ahead.
Over 55,000 households across Essex have previously signed through this scheme. In the last scheme residents who accepted were able to save an average of £230.00 per year by switching supplier.
Taking part in the Essex Energy Switch is free and without obligation. The more people that participate in the scheme, the more likely people will be able to get a better deal for you.
How does it work?
Essex County Council has partnered with independent experts in group buying, iChoosr UK. iChoosr will manage the reverse auction and switching process, as well as provide support for residents at every step of the way. Residents can register their interest in using the energy switching scheme with NO obligation to take up the offer after signing up. A one-day auction is held, and energy companies compete with each other to offer their best tariffs. Everyone who registers will receive a personalised offer which details how much they could save by switching to the winning provider (or cheaper tariff if the winner is your current provider). There is no commitment and you will have about four weeks to decide whether to change or not. If you decide to proceed your current provider will be informed and the account is switched to the new provider from an agreed date.
Why should I register?
It is a free, easy and secure way to cut your energy bill without wasting time comparing prices on comparison sites.
If you have not switched for a few years you are likely to see the biggest savings, but even those who switch regularly can benefit. If you did register last year, you will still have to register for this round, this is because the amount of electricity or gas you use may have changed. Before the auction you need to register with your address and energy details. You will need to have your annual fuel statement or most recent set of fuel bills to hand as these will show your current energy usage.
On auction day a reverse auction is held where suppliers compete to provide the best deal. The lowest price wins the auction. After the winning supplier is announced you will be sent a personalised offer with their winning tariff. Once you have received your personal offer, you will have until the end of the acceptance period to decide if you would like to switch or not.
Who is if for?
Anyone who pays an energy bill can take part. As well as homeowners this includes tenants and customers on pre-payment meters. You can register for electricity and gas or just one or the other. The choice is yours.
When is the next auction?
The important dates for the current scheme are:
- Register from 4th December 2018
- Auction will take place on the 12th February 2019
- Personal offers will be sent out from the 25th February 2019
- The acceptance phase will close at midnight on the 26th March 2019.
How do I register?
Register for free and with no obligation using a simple online form. Alternatively call the iChoosr helpline on 0800 048 8285. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:30pm. If you prefer local assistance, the Maldon Citizens Advice Bureau is also there to help on 01621 875774, office and telephone hours are Monday to Friday, 10:00am until 4:00pm.
Remember, there is no cost to register and there is no cost or obligation to switch.
Spread the word!
Collective switching works best when more people register as bargaining power to suppliers is increase, so once you have registered:
- Tell your neighbours about scheme to help them save also!
- Help your relatives if they are not used to registering their details online - you can register up to five friends, relatives or neighbours on their behalf, using your own email address.
Bulk oil buying
The switching scheme doesn't include oil, but it is still possible to save money on heating oil by joining the Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE) community oil buying scheme. Please see the RCCE website or call 01376 574340 for more information.
The scheme brings communities together; by using joint buying power savings can be passed on directly to people like you whose fuel costs may be high simply because you use oil fired central heating. It also saves you the time and hassle of telephoning numerous suppliers to obtain quotes for the best price every time you need fuel.