Ask our Expert

Which energy distribution area do I live in?

Dear Chris, I recently read in the news that E.ON is now the cheapest energy supplier in 11 of the 14 distribution areas. What is an “energy distribution area”, and how do I know which one I live in? Is E.ON the cheapest supplier for me?

Kind regards,

Elaine Lingard, Oldbury, via email Monday 24 August, 2009

Our expert says...

Hello Elaine,

Thanks for getting in touch.

The UK (excluding Northern Ireland) is divided into 14 different energy distribution areas. Each area is owned by a supplier - either E.ON, Npower, Scottish Power, EDF or Scottish & Southern Energy. These are known as the region’s “incumbent supplier.”

The map below shows which supplier owns which region, and also shows how the country is divided into the different distribution areas:

E.ON’s new tariff, FixOnline 3, is only the cheapest tariff in 11 of the 14 areas. For the areas it’s not cheapest in - Scottish Power, Scottish Hydro and Southern Electric - British Gas’ WebSaver 4 is the cheapest tariff.

However, this is only for the “average energy user”. If you use less or more energy a year than the average user, another tariff may be better suited to your needs. You should compare energy prices and make sure you switch to a tariff that’s going to suit your usage and save you money.

Looking at the map above should help you work out which energy distribution area you live in, and who your incumbent supplier is. So, when a supplier introduces a new cheaper tariff and it’s only available in certain areas, you’ll know whether you’re in an area that can switch to the new tariff and save money on your energy bills.