The 10 UK areas facing the highest energy bills this winter – London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

As the energy price cap rises, millions of households are bracing for a brutal winter. However, some areas are expected to suffer more than others.

A new study reveals the ten towns that will face the biggest energy bill shock in England and Wales, with one place set to be crowned as the “energy cost capital” of the UK.

Experts at QR Code Generator have scored each area in England and Wales out of 100 based on their average temperature between October 2023 and March 2024, median energy efficiency score, and average electricity/gas prices.

The areas with the lowest energy efficiency and temperatures and highest gas and electricity prices have received the highest scores, thereby determining the ranking.

Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, has offered some tips for cutting costs, from turning off unused appliances to draught-proofing your home. Still, many fear it won’t be enough as the UK’s coldest months approach.

Newtown, South Wales, is expected to spend the most, with a score of 77 out of 100. Newtown received a median energy efficiency score of 61. The average temperature was recorded at 6°C last year.

The average electricity unit rate is 24.65 pence per kilowatt-hour (kWh), and for gas, it was measured at 6.47 pence per kilowatt-hour.

Aberystwyth, South Wales, ranks second, scoring 67.6 out of 100. The town shares the same average gas and electricity unit prices as Newtown but has a higher average temperature of 8.17°C and a median energy efficiency score of 59, which contributed to its ranking.

Bangor, North Wales is third on the list, with a score of 67.5. Bangor’s average temperature was recorded at 7.17°C, while its median energy efficiency score is 59, and average electricity and gas unit rates are 25.56 and 6.23 pence per kWh, respectively.

Croydon, London, is fourth, scoring 66.5. Croydon’s median energy efficiency score is 67, while the average temperature last year was 8°C. The area’s electricity unit price is 25.86 pence per kWh, and for gas, it is 6.34 pence per kWh.

Bromley and Loughton, two London areas, are tied for fifth place with a score of 66 each. The areas receive the same electricity and gas unit rates of 25.86 and 6.34 pence per kWh, have an average temperature of 8.33°C, and a median energy efficiency score of 66.

Enfield, London, places sixth, with a score of 63.6. The average temperature and median energy efficiency score were recorded at 8.83°C and 66, respectively. The average unit price of electricity and gas is the same as that of Bromley.

Bodmin, Cornwall, ranks seventh, scoring 62.5. The town has a median energy efficiency score of 63 and an average temperature of 8.33°C. The average unit rate for electricity and gas is 24.34 and 6.58 pence per kilowatt-hour, respectively.

Eighth on the list is Uxbridge, London, with a score of 62.3. The average temperature in the town last year was 8.83°C, while its median energy efficiency score is 67. The average electricity and gas unit price per kWh is 25.86 and 6.34 pence, respectively.

Burnley, Lancashire, ranks ninth, scoring 61.7. Burnley received a median energy efficiency score of 63, while the average temperature in the town last year was 6.33°C.

The average unit rate for electricity in the town is 25.18 pence per kilowatt-hour, and for gas, it is 6.18 pence per kilowatt-hour.

Kendal, Cumbria, ranks tenth, with a score of 60.5. The northwestern town has a median energy efficiency score of 65, while the average temperature recorded last year was 6.17°C.

The average unit price of electricity and gas in pence per kilowatt-hour is 25.18 and 6.18, respectively.

Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, said, “Following Ofgem’s energy price cap increase, which took effect on the 1^st of October, many people in the UK are concerned about their energy bills.

“There are methods UK residents can implement to save costs on their electricity and gas. Firstly, it is essential to turn off any electrical appliances such as lights, chargers, and televisions when they are not being used.

“You may want to invest in a standby saver, also known as an energy-saving plug, which prevents energy travelling to unused appliances. Draught-proofing your windows and doors by sealing their gaps is also an effective way to reduce heating bills.

“Drying clothes on a rack rather than using a tumble dryer is also helpful, as is using your washing machine on a 30° cycle rather than a higher temperature.”