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Energy customers face regional pricing

Gas and electricity customers look set to face different charges based on where they live.

That is the warning from Which? the consumer group.

It found that a number of suppliers were either already charging on a regional basis while others looked set to follow suit.

Energy firms charge more to supply certain parts of the country in order to cover their own costs.

"The adoption of regional gas prices by some suppliers further emphasises price variations around the country," said Siobhan Parker, from Switch with Which?.

"Npower has announced an average gas increase of 12.8 per cent, but customers living in regions such as London and the East Midlands are being hit with a much bigger price rise of 23.8 per cent.

"People must vote with their feet and seek out the best deal to combat the effects of what is ultimately a postcode lottery," she added.

Higher energy bills come at a time when many people are already facing financial difficulties.

The credit crunch has left people facing higher repayments on loans and credit cards, while demand from emerging economies like India and China has driven up the cost of energy.

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