ENERGY bills in an area of Scotland are among the highest in the UK, new research has revealed.
It comes just weeks after it was announced that almost one million elderly Scots had lost access to the winter fuel payments.
SNP chiefs followed suit with the UK Government and announced the heating benefit would be means-tested.
An attempt to block the cuts failed as MPs voted to restrict the cash to just the poorest pensioners.
The energy experts at Utility Bidder have carried out research to reveal the UK regions with the highest annual energy bills.
The study also reveals those with the costliest energy unit prices, the regions with the most expensive fixed costs and those which have seen the biggest increase in energy costs between 2019-2023.
And south Scotland has been named the second-highest average annual electricity bills in the UK at £1,311.
As well as having one of the highest electricity bills, people living in south Scotland have the highest annual gas bills, with residents paying around £1,245.
When considering both factors, the combined total for energy bills in the region is more than £2,500.
North Scotland sits fifth overall in the list with an annual average electricity bill of £1,288.
Merseyside and North Wales was named the UK region with the highest annual electricity bills.
People living in the region are paying £1,353 on average for electricity which is £95 more than those living in the East Midlands who are paying the lowest amount for electricity in the UK.
James Longley, managing director at Utility Bidder has commented on whether Brits should stick with the price cap rate and when is the best time to fix your energy: “Energy bills continue to headline UK news all year round, especially in Autumn 2024 as we head towards colder months and a new price cap rate from October.
“These constant fluctuations in energy rates unsurprisingly leave many UK residents in a spin when it comes to the best way forward to get the cheapest energy bills – and at Utility Bidder, we want to make that process as hassle-free as possible.
“So, should you stick with the price cap rate, and when is the best time to fix your energy?
“In 2024, more than 90% of UK homes pay the standard tariff and the full price cap. Fixed rates, however, help give customers peace of mind and provide lots of choice in terms of start and end dates; this is coupled with exit fees and the lost benefit of falling energy prices when you are already under contract.
The UK regions with the highest annual electricity bills
Average Annual Domestic Electricity Bill
1 – Merseyside & North Wales: £1,353
2 – South Scotland: £1,311
3 – South West: £1,293
4 – South East: £1,292
5 – North Scotland: £1,288
6 – Eastern: £1,287
7 – South Wales: £1,286
8 – Southern: £1,285
9 – London: £1,283
10- West Midlands: £1,279
“Of the major energy companies offering fixed rate deals as of September 2024, all offer fixed deals to existing customers, with a large majority offering incentives to new customers as well – though some prove more complicated than others.
“It would be recommended that you look into and compare comparison sites to find the best deals for fixing your energy, and this should be only considered if you are locking in the cheapest rate.
“Whatever your next cause of action, electricity and gas users should try, where possible, to limit their usage during peak hours of the day. Using any utilities throughout the night will prove cheaper, and you can set timers for appliances such as dishwashers.
“Other lifestyle changes which you will reap the benefits of include minimal tweaks such as switching your appliances off when you’re not using them, rather than leaving them on standby, or more long-term solutions include removing your gas boiler or installing solar panels.”
