Yorkshire energy bills more than double since 2018

The rise is the biggest of any region in the country

Energy bills for the average Yorkshire household have more than doubled in five years, BBC analysis of government figures shows.

The annual collective cost of gas and electricity for households rose to more than £2,600 from £1,200 in 2018, the biggest percentage increase of any region in the country.

One charity said customers had been left "terrified" by further increases.

The government said it had pledged nearly £4bn to make homes across the country more energy efficient.

Anthony Grant, from east Leeds, uses a local "warm bank" most days.

The council-run facility is a heated community centre where people can access warmth, hot drinks and free wi-fi.

Anthony Grant, from east Leeds, uses a council-run "warm bank" most days

"My electricity went this morning," Anthony said. "I can't top up the meter until Monday when I get paid. So it's two days of cold and no TV now.

"You've got to choose - it's either electricity, gas or food. That's the way it is at the moment."

Anthony said he was very grateful for the warm bank, but that the steep energy price rises were "ridiculous".

"It makes me angry," he said. "Especially when the money's going straight into the pockets (of the energy firms)."

The UK has a national power grid, but energy bills can vary between regions due to differences in transmission costs and the amount of energy that is consumed.

Yorkshire's generally older housing stock, much of which is not energy-efficient, may also be a factor in the rise, according to Peter Smith from the charity National Energy Action.

“Sadly we know that the poorest households live in the least energy efficient homes," he said.

"When we talk about bills going up by £100, for those in the most inefficient homes this can mean an increase of £300 or £400,” he added.

The government has said that its £3.9bn Heat and Buildings Strategy will see 500,000 homes across the country made more energy efficient in the coming years.

It also said it had given out £15bn to consumers to help mitigate the impact of higher energy costs.

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