CHESHIRE East Council’s new energy supplier, Fairerpower, is proving to be a hit with residents after signing up its 1,000th customer less than a month after it was launched.

The landmark was passed when Martin Johnson, 54, switched to the new service, which offers one of the most competitive tariffs in the region.

To mark the occasion, Mr Johnson was presented with a hamper of Fairtrade goodies by Julian Cobley, Cheshire East Council’s head of investment.

Martin said: ‘I was very pleasantly surprised when they quoted me some £220 less per year for dual-fuel than what I was currently paying, so it made sense to switch.

“The whole process was very easy, and I found the Fairerpower staff to be very friendly and helpful. I would advise any Cheshire East residents to give it a go and see how much they could save.”

The Fairerpower service is available to people living in all Cheshire East postcodes.

Mike Suarez, Cheshire East Council’s chief executive, said: “The new company 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.

“We are proud that so many of them have benefited from this initiative. The council does not get any money out of Fairerpower, in fact we are investing in it. The return we get on that investment is the savings we are achieving for residents.”