Regional variations in energy prices revealed
New research from Gocompare.com finds biggest energy price rises in the north of Scotland - ahead of tariff change from First Utility.
The north of Scotland has seen the highest increase in energy prices over the past year while the south of Scotland has seen the smallest increase, according to research by Gocompare.com.
Householders in the Scottish Hydro energy area - which reaches from the Shetland Isles in the north to Perth in the south - have seen a 9.1% increase in their dual fuel energy bills, while their neighbours in the Scottish Power area - which includes the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh - have only seen a hike of 7.2%.
The Scottish Hydro area - has also seen the UK's lowest temperatures in the past 12 months, with an average temperature in 2012 of 6.9°C, compared to a UK average of 8.7°C.
The increase in average prices in the north of Scotland will cost home owners who are on a standard tariff and use an average of 3,300 kWh of electricity and 16,500 kWh of gas annually, £109.57 more a year.
But those customers in the south of Scotland have only seen an average increase of £85.72.
Some areas of the UK have seen a price increase of as much as 14.5% from providers, while others have seen a drop in prices.
The Yorkshire Electricity area saw a 0.8% drop from First Utility, while the SWEB area, which covers the south west of England, saw a 14.5% increase from Utilita.
Jeremy Cryer, energy spokesperson from Gocompare.com, said: "When we hear an increase in prices from energy providers it doesn't necessarily mean increases across the board for all customers.
"Many providers have different tariffs for different regions and some headline increases, such as those announced by First Utility this week, simply mean that a cheaper fixed tariff is ending.
"It's always a good idea to shop around for the best deal when it comes to energy and don't just stick with one of the big six providers. Switching energy suppliers can result in substantial savings, with people who use Gocompare.com to transfer their gas and electricity saving up to £449.19 a year. There is a big market out there and it's worth finding the right tariff for you in order to protect yourself for next winter."