Best value energy providers for each region revealed

Following the recent price moves by all of the big six energy giant's moneysupermarket.com reveals the difference in energy prices across the UK regions. Brits could save as much as 22 per cent on their energy bills by moving to the cheapest available product. Meaning a staggering saving of £1.7 billion for UK households.

Research from the leading price comparison site shows E.ON is currently winning the 2009 price war, its online dual fuel deal Fix Online is the best value tariff across all 14 UK regions. On this deal those in the South East would pay the least at £1,022.74 a year. However, they would be paying £1,245.75 - that's £223 or 22 per cent more if they stayed on their incumbent provider's standard tariff paying by quarterly cash or cheque. Customers in North Wales and Liverpool are paying the most for their energy despite the recent decreases. In this area they are still facing annual bills in excess of £1,295.33. By moving to the cheapest online deal available they could save around £235 per year.

On average across the UK, households could save £216 a year if they moved away from their region's incumbent provider's standard tariff and opted for the best value tariff available. If all households which are yet to change from their incumbent provider move energy tariff to the best possible deal, the country would save £1.7 billion on its energy bills.

Brits suffered massive increases to their bills last year, with the cost of gas going up 47 per cent on average and electricity seeing an average increase of 28 per cent. The recent reductions in energy bills means consumers have seen an overall decrease of 3.6 per cent and 6.2 per cent respectively.

Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Households may be tempted to sit on their current tariff after the recent round of price reductions, but I would say to those people there are even greater savings to be had by comparing the new look market to find the best deal for their circumstances. This advice is even more important for Brits who have never looked into changing their energy deal and are still languishing on their incumbent providers' standard deals. I urge customers to proactively check the market to ensure they find the tariff that most suits their situation. Online products continue to lead the way in terms of value with monthly direct debit payments offering the highest level of customer discounts.

"However, it's important to note there may still be further movement with online deals as providers jostle for top position. As a result, consumers should keep a watchful eye on the market to ensure they get the best deal. Providers under cutting each other can only be a good thing for consumers who have already suffered the double whammy of historically high bills and extremely cold winter months.

"Although the summer months are fast approaching consumers shouldn't sit back in the knowledge that their next round of bills will be cheaper, they should act now to get on a good deal and save as much money as possible while prices are lower and their consumption reduces. Every penny counts in the current economic climate and changing utilities tariff is simpler and easier than ever - all positive reasons to make this move now."

Scott Byrom continued: "Despite the recent round of price drops the amount of people who are classified as living in "fuel poverty" is still unacceptably high. It's imperative these customers seek advice and support to improve their situation and start reducing the cost of their bills. Energy suppliers offer ‘social tariffs' to their most vulnerable customers and so consumers need to contact their supplier to see if they can benefit from these deals."