WITH the UK Government cutting back on the winter fuel payment, research reveals residents in Powys are set to feel the impact the hardest.
Energy experts at Utility Bidder have analysed official government data to reveal the parts of England and Wales with the most energy-efficient dwellings and those with the least, considering average energy consumption, CO2 emissions, heating and hot water costs before awarding each local authority and region an energy efficiency score out of 10.
In Stafford Moorlands, where residents face the highest average household heating costs in the UK, at around £1,809 per year, the government's decision to cut the winter fuel payment will have the greatest impact.
This amount is nearly three times higher than the expected costs for households in Tower Hamlets, underscoring the significant disparities in the cost of living across regions.
Similarly, in Powys, which ranks second with an average annual heating cost of £1,799, residents will also feel the strain from the reduction in winter fuel support.
This substantial figure reflects the region's colder climate and rural setting, leading to higher heating demands.
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Westmorland and Furness in Cumbria ranks third, with residents facing an annual expense of £1,764 to keep their homes warm.
James Longley, managing director at Utility Bidder, said: “Households in England and Wales face constant attempts to tackle the ever-increasing cost of living, and with this, look for as many tricks as possible to keep their bills under control.
“At Utility Bidder, we want British homeowners and businesses to get the best value for their energy, and the properties and areas in which this may be most feasible.
“With this in mind, we’ve created the Household Energy Efficiency Index which highlights energy-efficiency trends across each local authority and region in England and Wales.
Areas with the highest average heating costs
Rank Local authority Annual average household heating cost
1 Staffordshire Moorlands £1,809
2 Powys £1,799
3 Westmorland and Furness £1,764
4 Derbyshire Dales £1,731
5 North Yorkshire £1,700
6 Cotswold £1,693
7 Rutland £1,682
8 West Devon £1,668
9 Stroud £1,653
10 Ribble Valley £1,652
“Another important area to address is your boiler. If it’s over 15 years old, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model, as older boilers tend to consume more energy.
“Additionally, heat pumps are an excellent alternative to traditional gas boilers. They are compatible with most properties in the UK and require similar maintenance to that of traditional boilers.
“Plus, there are government funding options available, with grants of up to £7,500 for installations in England and Wales.
“Switching to LED light bulbs is another easy way to reduce energy consumption; they use less power than incandescent or CFL bulbs while providing brighter light.
“You should also be aware of ‘vampire devices’ that draw power even when not in use. Unplugging devices and turning off sockets can help cut unnecessary costs.
“To further boost your home’s energy efficiency, consider draught-proofing your home. Gaps around doors and windows can lead to heat loss, so using draught excluders and sealing these gaps can improve efficiency.
“Effective insulation in your loft, walls, and floors also helps retain heat and lower heating costs.
“Finally, consider generating your own energy by installing solar panels on your roof. This not only reduces energy bills but also decreases your household's carbon footprint.”
You can review the research at https://www.utilitybidder.co.uk/blog/household-energy-efficiency-index/.
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