A new study has identified the areas in England and Wales expected to face the highest energy bills this autumn and winter, particularly following the energy price cap increase scheduled for 1st October. Conducted by experts at QR Code Generator, the study scores each area based on average temperature, energy efficiency, and electricity and gas prices.
According to the findings, Newtown in South Wales tops the list, with a concerning score of 77 out of 100. The town’s average temperature last year was recorded at just 6°C, contributing to its high energy costs. Newtown’s median energy efficiency score stands at 61, while the average electricity rate is 24.65 pence per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and gas at 6.47 pence per kWh.
Following closely is Aberystwyth, also in South Wales, with a score of 67.6. Despite sharing the same average unit prices for gas and electricity as Newtown, Aberystwyth benefits from a slightly warmer average temperature of 8.17°C and a median energy efficiency score of 59.
Bangor in North Wales ranks third, scoring 67.5. The town experienced an average temperature of 7.17°C last year, combined with a median energy efficiency score of 59. The average unit rates for electricity and gas in Bangor are 25.56 and 6.23 pence per kWh, respectively.
Croydon, a borough in London, takes the fourth spot with a score of 66.5. Croydon’s average temperature was recorded at 8°C last year, with a median energy efficiency score of 67. Its electricity unit price is 25.86 pence per kWh, while gas costs 6.34 pence per kWh.
Tied for fifth are Bromley and Loughton, both scoring 66. These areas have identical average temperatures of 8.33°C and median energy efficiency scores of 66, as well as matching energy unit rates of 25.86 pence per kWh for electricity and 6.34 pence for gas.
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 |
Other areas making the top ten include Enfield, London, in sixth place with a score of 63.6; Bodmin in Cornwall, scoring 62.5 in seventh place; Uxbridge, also in London, ranking eighth with a score of 62.3; Burnley in Lancashire at ninth with a score of 61.7; and Kendal in Cumbria rounding out the top ten with a score of 60.5.
Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, highlighted the concern many UK residents have regarding rising energy costs. He suggested practical ways to mitigate these expenses: “Turning off electrical appliances when not in use is vital,” he said. “Investing in standby savers can prevent energy waste from idle devices.”
Porcar also recommends draught-proofing windows and doors to reduce heating costs. “Drying clothes on a rack instead of using a tumble dryer and running your washing machine on a 30° cycle can further help save on energy bills,” he added.
As winter approaches and the cost of living continues to rise, understanding which areas will be most affected by energy bills could help residents plan accordingly and implement cost-saving measures to mitigate the impact of increasing energy prices.
