A Maldon woman is urging residents to save money by registering for Essex County Council's 'Energy Switch' scheme - with just days left before this year's chance to join ends.

The scheme involves residents signing up to a collective 'switch' - meaning the county council is able to negotiate a better deal with energy providers with the bargaining power of thousands of residents behind them.

Essex Energy Switch will then be able to get a better deal than those available direct or through price comparison websites.

Marion from Maldon said: "I think this scheme is absolutely fantastic. It makes it so easy to switch providers, I hardly have to do a thing.

"It all seemed so complicated before I joined this scheme so I didn't bother, now, after years of staying with the same provider, I have switched twice and saved."

Time is now running out to take part in the scheme and residents have until 9 February to register their interest. After that, energy companies will bid at an auction to see who can offer the lowest energy price to the residents who have registered with the scheme.

Everyone who registers will receive a personalised offer from Monday, 22 February which details how much they could save by switching to the winning green provider, or cheaper tariff. It's then up to each resident to decide whether to accept the offer and switch.

All that's needed to register for the scheme is a recent gas and electricity bill. Anyone that registered or switched their energy supplier through the Essex Energy Switch last year, will need to register again this year.

Registering can be done online through the link here or by calling the Big Community Switch registration line on 0800 048 8439 to register and receive correspondence by post.

Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5.30pm and callers are asked to have a recent energy bill to hand.