We Compare Domestic Energy Prices Across the UK
In 2018, a survey comparing energy prices in relation to the average income in different regions across the UK found some interesting differences in how electricity differed across the UK.
When we compare energy prices across the UK, the average percentage of one’s salary spent on energy bills is 4.4%. But some regions are paying proportionately more than this, while others are paying proportionately less.
Does any of this surprise you?
We compare UK electricity prices: who is spending the most?
The average percentage of income that the UK spent on energy bills in 2018 is 4.4%. But how does this compare by region?
We’ll look at two factors to determine % of income spent on energy bills
- Salaries by region
- Energy costs by region
Quick clue:
When we compare energy spend, we see that Wales spends the highest % of their earning on their gas and electricity bills.
Show me the money:
Highest earners
- London
- South East
- Scotland
Lowest earners
- Wales
- East Midlands
- Northern Ireland
Average gas and electricity bills by region
- Highest: Wales and Merseyside, £1,281 p/a
- Average: North West, £1,233 p/a
- Lowest: East Midlands, £1,199 p/a
Percentage of salaries spent on energy bills
- UK-wide: 4.4%
- Wales: 4.9%
- South West: 4.7%
- West Midlands: 4.6%
- North West: 4.6%
- North East: 4.6%
- Yorkshire: 4.6%
- East Midlands: 4.6%
- Scotland: 4.4%
- East: 4.3%
- South East: 4.1%
- London: 3.5%
We compare energy prices in 2020
So how much are people spending on energy now?
For the year 2018/19, 4.2% of a person’s salary was spent on energy bills, down from 4.4% in 2018.
A 2020 study by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) compared domestic electricity bills across UK countries based on four different consumption metrics, two for standard electricity bills and two for Economy 7 bills, which are based around day and night-time usage (with electricity being cheaper at night but more expensive during the day).
3600 kWh p/a Standard electricity bills
- England and Wales: £682 p/a
- Scotland: £688 p/a
- Northern Ireland: £594 p/a
3800 kWh p/a Standard electricity bills
- England and Wales: £715 p/a
- Scotland: £721 p/a
- Northern Ireland: £627 p/a
5100 kWh p/a Economy 7 electricity bills
- England and Wales: £921 p/a
- Scotland: £831 p/a
- Northern Ireland: £801 p/a
6000 kWh p/a Economy 7 electricity bills
- England and Wales: £1008 p/a
- Scotland: £970 p/a
- Northern Ireland: £981 p/a
For domestic electricity consumption, those living in England and Wales pay more for the equivalent amount of energy than those living in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In most cases, those in Northern Ireland have the lowest energy bills per annum.
General energy trends in 2020
According to a 2020 UK Energy Statistics report, final energy consumption was higher year-on-year in Q1 2020, with domestic consumption rising by 4.5% as a result of many of the UK populace working from home.
Another growing trend is the uptick in people switching between domestic energy suppliers, with 5% of all electricity customers and 5.1% of all gas customers switching between January and March 2020.
What this points to is an increased interest in saving costs on energy. However, proposals to increase the energy price cap to help suppliers mitigate losses from non-payment could affect your energy bills from April 2021.
So what can you do to improve your energy bill?
How to reduce your business energy bill
- Invest in LED light bulbs.
- Service your electrical equipment regularly.
- Switch off equipment when not in use.
- Buy energy-efficient devices.
- Use an energy broker to find you the best possible energy deals.
The Smarter Business solution
Through our long-standing relationships with reputable suppliers, Smarter Business can negotiate, procure, and compare energy quotes on your behalf and ensure contract terms best-suited to your needs. We will assist you in setting up a strategy to monitor and manage your gas and electricity and implement best practices for on-going benefits.