UK using less energy today than a decade ago
18/12/2014
The UK is using less energy than a decade ago, even with the increase in electrical goods in households.
New analysis of government statistics by the BBC has shown that the average person in the UK is using 10% less electricity than five years ago, despite the boom in large TVs, computers, smartphones and tablets.
The decrease in energy use has been down to government policy, and also the advancement of energy saving technology. A new A-rated model fridge-freezer saves 73% more energy, compared with its 20-year-old counterpart, according to the trade association AMDEA. That is about £100 a year off a household energy bill. Energy saving light bulbs have reduced the electricity demand even further, as well as the ban on old style lamps that used lots of energy.
Gas use for heat and hot water has fallen by more than a quarter since 2004, due to improvements in boiler efficiency and pipe insulation. Insulation has also reduced energy demand, as well as people becoming more prudent with energy use since the recession.
The European Union (EU) is now looking at further ways to save energy, such as a clampdown on ineffective appliances, such as the recent ban on certain types of vacuum cleaners.
Greg Shreeve from the Energy Saving Trust said:
"This demonstrates how well designed and targeted regulation can have a significant impact on our energy consumption.
"Investment in energy efficiency can lead to much wider economic benefits such as job creation and even improved health."
Joanne Wade from the Association for the Conservation of Energy said:
"The figures for households are very good news - but frankly they have been achieved without a great deal of government effort.
"Imagine what we could do with a proper strategy for demand reduction. We have a long way to go."
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