With Npower and EDF's announcements of energy price increases, Britain is set to pay on average over ?1000 per year for their gas and electricity. Unfortunately, it's not just down to how big your house is, but also where it is, that can dictate your costs.
Research has shown that householders in London will be facing the biggest price increase of this year, at a staggering 21.7%. the North West is the next in line at an average 20.8% increase. Scotland will see the smallest rise at around 13.6%.
These increases are apparently justified by claims from gas and electricity suppliers that it costs more to deliver energy to some areas than others. This logic falls apart however when you consider that the majority of our gas arrives on the east coast. Yet the east of Britain faces rises of around 19%.
Consumer groups have come up with another theory as to the price increases: prices seem to be going up more in places that have traditionally shown reluctance to switch suppliers. This unwillingness to compare compare gas prices and switch electricity suppliers may be due to the fact that householders are simply unaware they can save money by switching. With the advent of comparison sites, finding a new supplier can be as easy as entering your postcode on a webpage.
If you do decide to look around for a new supplier, bear in mind that once 'The Big 6' - Npower, EDF, Scottish Southern, Scottish Power, Powergen and British Gas - put their prices up, most smaller suppliers will follow suit. Search around and remember to ask if your supplier is planning any price hikes in the coming months.
