SOUTHEND Council's new energy service signed up its 100th customer just ten days after it was launched.

Southend Energy hit the landmark figure when Mr Douglas Pitcher, 54, from Shoebury switched to the new service, which aims to offer one of the most competitive tariffs in the region.

To mark the occasion, Mr Pitcher will be presented with a hamper by councillor Graham Longley.

Mr Pitcher said: “I found out about Southend Energy from my parents who had seen it in the local paper. It was very easy to switch, I spoke to a nice lady in the customer service centre who gave me all details I needed.

"It turned out I could save £84 over the year. I was previously with E.ON and had been ever since I moved in to my current house three years ago.”

So far, the new service has saved Southend residents an average of £239 each, which is cumulatively an approximate £23,900; the same amount as an average wage in Southend.

Southend Energy, set up in partnership with OVO Energy, opened for business on May 28 with tariffs which aim to offer a fair energy deal over the bigger energy firms.

The Southend Energy service is available to people living within the Southend Council boundaries.

Mr Longley, executive councillor for enterprise, tourism and economic development said: “The new scheme has got off to a great start. Importantly, it is helping people who need it most – those who have been paying too much for their energy but have never switched.

“Switching is easy and we’ll be offering fair energy tariffs, fair contracts and fair treatment. There will be no exit charges , and through our partnership with OVO will add a 3 per cent interest reward on to all credit balances. We will also give customers plenty of reminders about when their first-year contract is up for renewal so they can search the market for a better deal if they choose."

To find out how much you can save and how to switch,  go to www.southendenergy.co.uk or call 0800 408 6711.