THE average Barnsley household is paying almost twice as much as last winter to heat their home, shocking new figures have revealed.
The latest statistics from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy show the average Barnsley household consumed 11,492 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of gas and 2,492 kWh of electricity in 2021.
One kWh would run an average oven for around 30 minutes, while the median has been used to exclude extreme values which could skew the average.
At the current charging rates capped by the Conservative government, it means the average household on a variable tariff continuing to use the same amount of energy as in 2021 would be paying around £2,266 per year to run their home.
Based on prices last winter, the average Barnsley household would have had an annual spend of approximately £1,169 for the same amount of energy - just over half as much.
Households on a fixed tariff will pay for energy at their current rate until the term comes to an end.
Unfortunately, Adam Scorer - the chief executive of National Energy Action - believes the situation could worsen this year following the end of the current guarantee.
Last year it was revealed that around a third of Barnsley are living in fuel poverty, and Scorer claims this figure could spread nationally.
He added: “Millions of the most vulnerable - carers, people with disabilities, those on low incomes and living in inefficient homes - are already bearing the brunt this winter.
“The effects of this are devastating on both physical and mental health.
“Make no mistake, cold homes can kill.
“Government intervention must prioritise the most vulnerable in 2023 and beyond.”
Figures have revealed that more than half of homes in Barnsley have poor energy efficiency ratings, making it harder for residents to keep the heat in.
Analysis of energy efficiency ratings by the Office of National Statistics shows 55 per cent of houses had a ranking of ‘D’ or below as of March 2021 - the latest figures - meaning they are likely to be worse impacted by the rising cost of fuel.
Energy Performance Certificates show how effective a home is at keeping heat in - with ratings from A (the most efficient) to G - the least, meaning residents have to spend more on energy bills to keep their homes warm.
A BEIS spokesperson said it has recently launched a new campaign - ‘It All Adds Up’ - to help families reduce their energy bills.
They said: “We know it is a difficult time for families across the country.
“That is why we have acted swiftly to provide support, including the Energy Price Guarantee, which is saving the typical household around £900 this winter, as well as £400 payments towards bills and £1,200 for the most vulnerable households.”
Energy consultancy firm Cornwall Insights predicts the price cap regulated by Ofgem will sit at approximately £3,500 between April and June - though the typical household will be charged £3,000 at most during this period under the government’s Energy Price Guarantee.
The energy price cap is then expected to drop below government support levels in July - Cornwall forecasts that energy bills will be around £2,800 for the average household in the final two quarters of 2023.
