Friday 18 January 2013

UK Energy is some of the cheapest in Europe

UK customers pay 53% less for electricity


Although government officials and consumer watchdogs continue to batter the UK's domestic energy market with claims that fuel rates are completely out of reach, it turns out that electricity is up to 53% cheaper in the UK than its European neighbours.

In fact, the UK boasts the 10th cheapest electricity rates of any EU country - or the 19th most expensive - with an average rate of €0.14 per kWh of electricity used. These prices are dwarfed by some of Europe's other powers, with German homeowners paying an average of 44% more per year in order to power their homes.


Country € per kWh Electricity
Bulgaria € 0.08
Estonia € 0.10
Romania € 0.11
Estonia € 0.10
Latvia € 0.12
Lithuania € 0.12
Greece € 0.13
France € 0.14
Slovenia € 0.14
United Kingdom € 0.14
Czech Republic € 0.15
Poland € 0.15
Finland € 0.16
Hungary € 0.17
Luxembourg € 0.17
Malta € 0.17
Portugal € 0.17
Slovakia € 0.17
Ireland € 0.19
Austria € 0.20
Italy € 0.20
Spain € 0.20
Belgium € 0.21
Sweden € 0.21
Netherlands € 0.22
Germany € 0.25
Cyprus € 0.29
Denmark € 0.30


Meanwhile, although the UK had amongst the lowest electricity rates in Europe, it simultaneously ranks 3rd with regards to electricity consumption.

Subsequently, the issue surrounding fuel prices in the UK becomes not an issue of price, but rather one of affordability.
Since the economic downturn in 2008, wages have not kept up with rising prices that transcend industry. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK's unemployment rate is currently hovering at around 8.1%, and there are over 9m economically inactive citizens nationwide. Moreover, pay has risen 1.5% since 2011 - whereas in that same period of time, many homeowners have seen their dual fuel energy bills rise in excess of 19%.

Customers are struggling with their energy bills, and they've got a right to complain about it; however, rather than simply complaining many more people need to actual take more responsibility for helping themselves - only 15-20% of domestic customers change suppliers or seek a cheaper option every year - many cheaper deals are available and customers should check get me cheap bills.com for the best deal for their circumstances.

source data - Energylinx