Household energy consumption falls by a quarter
Data covering both gas and electricity use show consumption dropped from 26.2 megawatt hours (mWh) in 2005 to 19.7mWh in 2011.
Results varied geographically, with the East Midlands having the highest level of energy consumption and the South West the lowest. Despite being the biggest energy user, the East Midlands decreased its energy consumption by 29.4% over the seven year period. The West Midlands had the largest decrease in that time, at 30.0%. The smallest fall in average energy consumption was in areas of London, the South West and Yorkshire.
The regions that had the highest total household energy consumption also had the highest Economy 7 electricity consumption. In terms of lowest energy consumption, the local authorities that consumed the least in 2011 tended to be in more rural areas.
Energy efficiency improvements such as loft and cavity wall insulation and condensing boilers may be behind the drop in consumption, said the ONS. Other influencing factors include the pressure of higher energy prices and a greater awareness of energy and environmental issues.
“This fall in consumption shows how effective it is to insulate your home,” says a spokesperson from Energy UK, a trade association for the industry. “This has evidently reduced usage and bills which is good news for customers.
"The work will continue with the Green Deal and the Energy Company Obligation. Meanwhile, energy companies will also be installing smart meters in every home in the country by 2020, which will help people further manage and understand their gas and electricity usage.”
Consumer watchdog group Which? has also responded to the ONS figures. Executive Director Richard Lloyd is calling upon the Government to do more to help consumers.
“Energy efficiency measures may have played a part in the fall in energy usage but the fact is many consumers will have cut back in order to save money in the face of spiraling prices and squeezed incomes.
“People will not feel confident that they are getting a fair deal unless prices are simplified and the costs that make up our energy bills are open, transparent and subject to robust scrutiny.
“We want the Government to introduce simple energy pricing, a clear ring-fence between generation and supply businesses, and for all energy policy costs to be scrutinised by the National Audit Office. That way consumers can see exactly what they’re paying for and be more confident that there is effective competition in the energy market.”
