ESSEX residents are being encouraged to reduce their cost of living by joining the Big Community Switch campaign.

The initiative, led by Essex County Council, aims to help residents secure a better deal on their gas and electricity bills.

City, borough and district councils will work together to establish a collective energy switching scheme, which will allow customers to combine their purchasing power.

Last November, nearly 4,000 people in Essex registered for the scheme.

County council leader David Finch said: “We are helping residents with the cost of living.

“Essex households who signed up for our energy switching campaign are saving an average of £209 on their energy bills.

“I am pleased to announce we are running the campaign again this winter.

“This will help residents across the county save more money on winter fuel costs.”

Registration will be open from December 2 to February 17 by visiting essex.gov.uk