Best energy providers and deals by area

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With the inevitability of further price hikes over the next few months, price comparison site, moneysupermarket.com, has urged Brits to be aware of discrepancies in the cost of electricity and gas tariffs across UK regions (see below for chart of best providers in your area).

Its research that reveals even if Brits are on the same tariff from the same provider, prices will differ from region to region, with no tangible explanation as to why.

For example, someone on British Gas Click Energy 5 tariff living in North Scotland will pay on average over £33 more a year than a bill payer on the same tariff in Eastern England.

Despite slight variations in the price of its online tariff, British Gas has won its price battle with npower, with Click Energy 5 currently the cheapest dual fuel provider in all 14 UK regions.

It also offers the lowest cost electricity in 12 regions, with those living in East England paying the least. For gas only, Atlantic offers the best deal in eight UK regions, at £535 on average each year across the board.

Beware incumbent providers

Some people may also be paying over the odds for their gas and electricity by remaining with the incumbent provider for their area.

For example, someone in North Wales could save as much as £276 a year by moving from the incumbent provider to British Gas Click Energy 5.

Paul Schofield, head of utilities at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Further price rises are a daunting prospect for many households, especially in the current economic climate. People need to ensure they are on the best tariff for their region and shouldn't be lulled into thinking they will automatically get the cheapest deal if living in a providers 'core' area."

Some Brits may want to opt for a 'fixed' tariff as these provide financial security; effectively safeguarding against future price hikes. Across all 14 UK regions, on average, fixed tariffs come in £70 cheaper than the incumbent provider3.

Schofield continued: "Fixing your energy tariff, could be an excellent option for those looking to protect payments against future price rises. However, people need to feel comfortable with being tied into to a product and provider, and be aware that, as well as carrying a premium, there is sometimes a cancellation fee for terminating these deals early."