SCOTTISH household energy bills are typically £9 more than England's each month as families pay on average £112, new figures show.

People living north of the Border continue to have higher charges probably as a result of the colder days and darker nights.

Latest official statistics reveal householders in England typically pay about £103 a month and in Wales, about £105.

But a charity warned that added distribution costs may be responsible for the higher bills.

Norman Kerr, Director of Energy Action Scotland said: "Scots consumers are paying more of their income on energy than in England and Wales and this is partly due to geography in terms of our colder climate and longer heating season.

"However, it is also due to energy market factors such as consumers in the north of Scotland paying more for their electricity due to higher network distribution charges. These are factors that continue to need to be addressed."

The website uSwitch yesterday found that 26% of Scottish households have received incorrect energy bills, with debt collectors seeking on average £200 from families.

Citizens Advice Scotland chief executive Margaret Lynch said: "Scots are paying so much for their energy, they deserve a quality service, and it's clear they are not getting that.

"Eight years of failure to get bills right is eight years too many.

"Our own figures show that nearly a third of Scots calling our helpline about energy problems were calling about incorrect billing."