A new study has predicted which areas in England and Wales will spend the most on energy bills this year, following the energy price cap increase on the 1st of October.
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, along with their 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.
Newtown, Wales, is expected to spend the most, with a score of 77 out of 100. Newtown received a median energy efficiency score of 61, and 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, this was measured at 6.47 pence per kilowatt-hour.
Aberystwyth, South Wales, ranks second, scoring 67.6 out of 100. The town shares average gas and electricity unit prices with Newtown, but has an average temperature of 8.17°C and a median energy efficiency score of 59, resulting in 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.
Tied for fifth place are the London areas of Bromley and Loughton, both scoring 66. 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.
The ten areas in England and Wales expected to spend the most on energy this year
| Rank | Area | Score (Out of 100) |
| 1 | Newtown | 77.05 |
| 2 | Aberystwyth | 67.59 |
| 3 | Bangor | 67.48 |
| 4 | Croydon | 66.51 |
| 5 | Bromley
Loughton |
66.14 |
| 6 | Enfield | 63.64 |
| 7 | Bodmin | 62.49 |
| 8 | Uxbridge | 62.34 |
| 9 | Burnley | 61.72 |
| 10 | Kendal | 60.50 |
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, is at number nine, 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, is 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, commented on the findings, saying:
“Following Ofgem’s energy price cap increase, which will take effect on the 1st of October, many people in the UK are concerned about their energy bills.
“There are methods Brits 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.”
