It’s recently been a volatile time for UK household energy prices. Many households have endured unprecedented price hikes since 2020, largely due to COVID-19, the cost of living crisis, and the conflict in Ukraine.
Our research has enabled us to gather more than 100 UK energy statistics for 2024, to reveal industry trends, household consumption figures, and what the future looks like for UK household energy bills.
Top 10 UK energy statistics 2024
British Gas remains the biggest energy supplier in the UK, with 20% of the overall market share.
The average annual UK energy bill is £1,625 as of March 2024.
London and the South East have the most energy-efficient homes across England and Wales, on average.
The price of wholesale electricity fell 47% between July 2023 and February 2024.
Renewable energy is now responsible for over 41% of the UK's electricity generation.
South Scotland is the region that pays the most for electricity, with an average annual bill of £1,331.
The average annual gas bill is £1,357 as of Q1 2023 – a 106% rise from 2022.
The average British household has 2.4 people and uses 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas per year.
Offshore wind is the UK’s most prevalent source of renewable electricity generation, making up 19.2% of all electricity.
London typically has the most energy-efficient homes in the UK, with an energy efficiency score of 69.
UK energy market statistics
Recent energy statistics found that British Gas remains the biggest energy supplier in the UK. Despite having a 5% lower market share than in 2020, British Gas still accounts for a fifth (20%) of the entire UK energy market.
A breakdown of the companies with the biggest market share of UK domestic energy in Q4 2023
E.ON has the next highest market share, with its overall percentage of 17% representing a 5% increase from Q4 2019.
The five biggest energy companies in the UK (British Gas, E.On, SSE/OVO Energy, EDF, and Scottish Power) collectively account for 70% of the overall UK energy market.
How much is the UK energy market worth?
According to the most up-to-date energy stats available, the price of gas in the UK fluctuated significantly between 2012 and 2021. UK energy market statistics show that between 2012 and 2017, the selling value of electricity dropped by almost a fifth (17%) from £24,879 to £20,564. However, in 2013, the price rose by almost a quarter (24%) to £26,489.
A breakdown of the selling value of electricity and gas in the United Kingdom (in millions of British pounds)
Despite some dips, energy market statistics show that between 2017 and 2021, the selling value of gas rose by a quarter (25%) from £20,564 to £25,899. Then, in 2022, the selling value increased by 80% to £46,671.
The rise in the selling value of electricity was more consistent until 2021. Between 2012 and 2020, the selling value went up by almost a fifth (18%) and then rose again by 13% between 2020 and 2021. As the selling value of gas rose, so did the selling value of electricity, cumulatively increasing by more than a third (36.7%).
What is the average energy bill in the UK?
As of 8 March 2024, the UK average electricity bill was £772.74, while the average gas bill was £853.30. This means that the typical total for both was £1,625.
Average energy bill by house size and usage
Statistics on energy usage show that the size of a property and the number of people living in it can have a significant bearing on gas and electricity bills. Properties with just one or two tenants typically pay £104.86, which is close to half as much as what a large property pays. However, considering that for larger properties there are four to five people, this is potentially better value for money.
A breakdown of the average gas and electricity bill by house size
| Gas and electricity usage | Average annual consumption | Average annual cost | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (flat or 1 bedroom house (1-2 people) | Gas: 7,500 kWh Elec: 1,800 kWh | £1,258 | £104.86 |
| Medium (3-bedroom house / 2-3 people) | Gas: 11,500 kWh Elec: 2,700 kWh | £1,769.46 | £147.45 |
| High (5-bedroom house / 4-5 people) | Gas: 17,000 kWh Elec: 4,100 kWh | £2,414.50 | £201.21 |
| (Source: British Gas) |
In terms of average annual consumption, smaller properties typically use 7,500 kWh of energy, which is more than two-fifths (44%) of what a larger property consumes despite potentially having a quarter of the residents.
The story is similar for electricity, where a smaller property consumes around 44% of what a larger property pays.
UK energy price cap latest
The Energy Price Cap is a UK Government legislation first introduced in January 2019 and is designed to regulate how much consumers pay for energy. The cap is reviewed regularly by Ofgem – the government regulatory body for gas and electricity companies in Great Britain.
Under the scheme, Ofgem is required to determine the maximum price that suppliers can charge consumers for each kilowatt per hour (kWh) of energy they use, with the cap changing to reflect the costs of wholesale energy.
As of July 2024, the maximum amount a household can pay for a dual-fuel energy bill is set to £1,690 per year, which reflects the recent falls in wholesale energy prices.
Previously, record wholesale prices had seen the price cap exceed £4,000. In response to this, the UK Government introduced the Energy Price Guarantee in October 2022, a subsidiary that ensured households would pay no higher than £2,500 per year on energy.
The April 2024 price cap marks the first time that the Energy Price Cap has fallen below £1,900 since October 2022, with the decrease in costs bringing an end to the Energy Price Guarantee.
Average UK electricity cost statistics
Average electricity costs have continued to rise since 2010, hitting a typical peak of £1,274 in 2023.
Average UK electricity bill by type of payment
The average UK electricity cost more than trebled between 2010 and 2023 (+182%) from an average of £451 to £1,274 per year.
A breakdown of the average UK electricity bill by type of payment
| Year | Standard credit: All consumers (£) | Direct debit: All consumers (£) | Prepayment: All consumers (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 470 | 431 | 481 |
| 2011 | 509 | 469 | 517 |
| 2012 | 539 | 497 | 541 |
| 2013 | 574 | 531 | 577 |
| 2014 | 589 | 542 | 593 |
| 2015 | 585 | 531 | 588 |
| 2016 | 595 | 533 | 594 |
| 2017 | 642 | 576 | 592 |
| 2018 | 695 | 628 | 621 |
| 2019 | 753 | 682 | 699 |
| 2020 | 755 | 688 | 721 |
| 2021 | 821 | 754 | 779 |
| 2022 | 1,226 | 1,151 | 1,122 |
| 2023 | 1,325 | 1,267 | 1,247 |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
Of the three types of electricity bill payment, direct debit has increased the most since 2010 (+193%), from £431 to £1,267 in 2023. Throughout this time, there were some fluctuations in price. For example, between 2014 and 2015, the price decreased by £11 on the average UK electricity bill for UK direct debit customers.
In 2010, prepayment was the most expensive way of paying for electricity bills – £11 more expensive than typical standard credit and £50 more than the average direct debit customer. As of 2023, prepayment is now the least expensive, 6% cheaper than standard credit and 2% cheaper than direct debit, on average.
Average electricity bill between UK countries
Data from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero show that Scotland has the highest average electricity bill of all the countries in the UK. Households in Scotland pay almost a fifth (17%) more for their average electricity bill than those in Northern Ireland.
A breakdown of the average electricity bill cost between UK countries by payment type
Scotland was also the country that saw its electricity bill increase the most. Between 2017 and 2023, the average Scottish electricity bill more than doubled, increasing by 116%. The single biggest increase came in 2022 when the average cost of an electricity bill in Scotland rose by 88% in a single year from £770 to £1,453.
Average unit cost and fixed costs for electricity by UK regions
UK electricity market price statistics show that North Scotland is the region with the highest overall average fixed cost, hitting £211. This is almost two-fifths (38%) more than the £143 residents in London typically pay for their electricity.
A breakdown of how much UK regions pay for their electricity
| Region | Overall: Average variable day unit price (£/kWh) | Overall: Average variable night unit price (£/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| East Midlands | 0.38 | 0.15 |
| Eastern | 0.4 | 0.15 |
| London | 0.41 | 0.16 |
| Merseyside & North Wales | 0.44 | 0.18 |
| North East | 0.36 | 0.13 |
| North Scotland | 0.34 | 0.22 |
| North West | 0.38 | 0.15 |
| South East | 0.41 | 0.16 |
| South Scotland | 0.45 | 0.19 |
| South Wales | 0.37 | 0.19 |
| South West | 0.4 | 0.16 |
| Southern | 0.38 | 0.19 |
| West Midlands | 0.38 | 0.15 |
| Yorkshire | 0.37 | 0.15 |
| United Kingdom | 0.39 | 0.16 |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
Residents in North Scotland typically also pay around a fifth (17%) more than the UK national average electricity bill (£177.86, as of 2023).
In terms of the average variable day unit price, South Scotland typically pays the most, at 0.45 £/kWh. This is 0.09 £/kWh per day more than what people in the North East pay on average.
How much energy does the average UK home use?
According to Ofgem, the average British household has 2.4 people living in it and uses 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas per year. This works out at 225 kWh of electricity and 959 kWh of gas per month. Recent smart meter statistics show a 95.5% accuracy rate when it comes to smart meters reporting energy consumption to the supplier.
What is the average energy bill in the UK?
The latest UK energy statistics found that the average combined energy bill in Q1 2023 was £2,645. This represents a 77% rise from the average annual costs recorded for 2022.
A breakdown of the average cost of UK energy bills in Q1 2022 and Q1 2023
The price of electricity also accelerated during this time, with the latest average annual cost of £1,288 representing a 55% increase from the previous year (£833). Gas incurred even greater price rises over this period, increasing by 106%, from £658 to £1,357.
Which UK region has the most expensive electricity bills?
The latest UK energy statistics found that Merseyside and North Wales is the region that pays the most for electricity. An average annual cost of £1,364 makes it the only UK region with average costs above £1,350.
A breakdown of the average electricity bills by region in the UK
South Scotland is the second most expensive region in the country for electricity bills, with average costs of £1,331 per year (around 3% less than Merseyside and North Wales). There is no significant variation in cost between the north and south, with every region bar two (Merseyside & North Wales and Northern Ireland) paying between £1,100 and £1,400.
Northern Ireland is the only UK region with average costs below £1,200, with an average bill of £1,103. This is around a tenth (10%) less than the next cheapest region (East Midlands), and almost a fifth (19%) less than Merseyside & North Wales.
Which UK region has the most expensive gas bills?
Recent UK energy stats found that London was the UK region with the most expensive gas bills. The UK capital’s average annual cost of £1,343 is around 8% more than the next highest region (South West).
A breakdown of the average annual costs of a UK gas bill by region (2023)
There is minimal variation in annual gas costs across the UK, with every region paying between £1,250 and £1,350 for their gas on average.
North Scotland typically has the lowest annual gas costs, with an average bill of £1,264 per year. This is around 0.4% less than the next cheapest region (West Midlands), and 6% lower than London.
Average gas cost statistics
Average gas bill by type of payment
Since 2010, the average UK gas bill has increased by 150%, up to around £1,304 per household as of 2023. As recently as 2017, the average price of gas in the UK was falling (-15% between 2014-17), yet has risen by 124% between 2017-23.
A breakdown of the average gas bill by type of payment
| Year | Standard credit: All consumers (pounds) | Direct debit: All consumers (pounds) | Prepayment: All consumers (pounds) | Overall: UK (pounds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 541 | 503 | 541 | 520 |
| 2011 | 594 | 551 | 589 | 569 |
| 2012 | 664 | 610 | 655 | 632 |
| 2013 | 705 | 644 | 697 | 670 |
| 2014 | 731 | 661 | 728 | 691 |
| 2015 | 698 | 624 | 699 | 655 |
| 2016 | 646 | 564 | 654 | 597 |
| 2017 | 638 | 561 | 582 | 581 |
| 2018 | 659 | 580 | 571 | 593 |
| 2019 | 659 | 591 | 634 | 610 |
| 2020 | 639 | 558 | 620 | 581 |
| 2021 | 601 | 550 | 587 | 564 |
| 2022 | 1,266 | 1,086 | 1,217 | 1,134 |
| 2023 | 1,383 | 1,273 | 1,325 | 1,304 |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
In 2010, direct debit was typically the cheapest way to pay for gas bills in the UK, and that remained the case in 2023. In that time frame, the cost of a direct debit rose by 153%. Yet between 2010 and 2021, the average price of UK gas bills by direct debit only rose by close to a tenth (9.5%).
Standard credit remains the most costly way of paying for UK gas bills. After reaching a peak of £731 in 2014, the price then stabilised, with little change occurring between 2015 and 2019. Then, between 2019 and 2023, the price rose by 113% from £610 to £1,304.
Average gas bill between UK countries
The data shows that residents in Scotland typically pay the most for gas, with average annual gas bills of £1,305. This is around £4 more than what people in England and Wales typically pay for their gas by comparison.
A breakdown of the average gas bill cost between UK countries by payment type
Between 2017 and 2021, the average gas bills for all countries in Britain decreased, despite some fluctuations in the intervening period. In England and Wales, prices decreased by 3% from £581 to £561. In the same period, the price in Scotland also went down by around 3%.
Between 2021 and 2023, the price in England and Wales rose by almost three-quarters (73%), while in Scotland, it increased by almost four-fifths (79%).
Average unit cost and fixed costs for gas by UK region
Gas price market statistics show that the overall average fixed cost of gas in the UK is £177.86, as of 2023. The region with the highest average fixed cost is North Scotland, where they pay £211 – nearly a quarter (24%) more than what residents in the South East pay.
A breakdown of the average unit cost and fixed costs for gas by UK region
| Region | Overall: Average variable day unit price (£/kWh) | Overall: Average variable night unit price (£/kWh)] |
|---|---|---|
| East Midlands | 0.38 | 0.15 |
| Eastern | 0.4 | 0.15 |
| London | 0.41 | 0.16 |
| Merseyside & North Wales | 0.44 | 0.18 |
| North East | 0.36 | 0.13 |
| North Scotland | 0.34 | 0.22 |
| North West | 0.38 | 0.15 |
| Northern Ireland | 0.34 | 0.17 |
| South East | 0.41 | 0.16 |
| South Scotland | 0.45 | 0.19 |
| South Wales | 0.37 | 0.19 |
| South West | 0.4 | 0.16 |
| Southern | 0.38 | 0.19 |
| West Midlands | 0.38 | 0.15 |
| Yorkshire | 0.37 | 0.15 |
| United Kingdom | 0.39 | 0.16 |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
The UK region with the next highest overall average fixed cost is South Scotland, where residents typically pay £206 – just £4 more than what they pay on average in the nearby North East.
In terms of overall average variable cost, North Scotland and Northern Ireland are typically charged the least at 34p per day. This is just 11p less than what residents of South Scotland can be expected to pay.
UK energy consumption statistics
UK energy consumption statistics show that oil remained the most consumed source of energy in 2022. In all, the UK consumed 56.2 million tonnes of oil in 2022, making up more than two-fifths (44%) of all total energy consumption.
A breakdown of the final energy consumption of the UK (2022)
Coal and manufactured fuels now make up just 1.2% of all the energy consumed in the UK, a far cry from when it was the dominant energy source back in 1990.
Transport is the leading cause of energy consumption in the UK. It consumes almost two-fifths (39%) of all energy in the UK, compared to industry, which contributes around a fifth (17%).
Local authorities ranked based on energy consumption per capita
The UK local authority that uses the most energy per capita is the Isles of Scilly. This archipelago off the coast of Cornwall is home to just 2,271 residents, yet they each consume an average of 3,348 kilowatts per hour. This is also the region where residents pay the most for their energy. Per resident, Isles of Scilly inhabitants pay an average of £1,004, which is 54% more than those living in nearby Cornwall have to pay.
A breakdown of the local authorities that use the most energy
| 2022 local authorities: district | Estimated population (mid 2021) | Per capita mean kWh consumption | Per capita mean kWh price (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isles of Scilly | 2,271 | 3,348 | 1,004.41 |
| City of London | 8,618 | 3,123 | 936.81 |
| Cotswold | 91,125 | 2,442 | 732.56 |
| Kensington and Chelsea | 143,940 | 2,365 | 709.52 |
| North Norfolk | 103,257 | 2,347 | 704.03 |
| (Source: Uswitch via Gov.uk, ONS, and Ofgem) |
Isles of Scilly residents consume 266 kWhs more than the average resident in the next highest local authority, the City of London - despite it being a financial and technological hub, and home to four times as many residents as the Isles of Scilly. Residents in the City of London also pay less for their energy, at £936 per capita.
Cotswold is the area with the third most energy consumed per capita. However, residents in this part of the country consume over a fifth (21.8%) less energy than those in the capital. Residents in the Cotswolds pay £732.59 per capita, which is 26% less than what people in the Isles of Scilly pay.
Because of this increased demand, green energy suppliers are no longer a niche concept. Most energy suppliers now offer green energy tariffs that offer some level of renewable energy. The latest UK energy statistics found that renewable energy is now responsible for over 47% of the UK's electricity generation.
A breakdown of the UK local authorities that use the least energy
| 2022 local authorities | Estimated population (mid 2021) | Per capita mean kWh consumption | Per capita mean kWh price (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newham | 350,626 | 1,072 | 321.69 |
| Barking and Dagenham | 218,534 | 1,136 | 340.79 |
| Waltham Forest | 278,050 | 1,185 | 355.43 |
| Leicester | 366,018 | 1,199 | 359.66 |
| Luton | 224,826 | 1,204 | 361.12 |
| (Source: Uswitch via Gov.uk, ONS, and Ofgem) |
Newham in east London is the local authority that uses the least amount of energy in the UK. In this London borough, Newham’s 350,000 residents use an average of 1,072.31 kWhs. This is around two-thirds (67%) less than the amount of energy consumed per person on the Isles of Scilly. Newham also has the lowest price paid per capita, at just £321 - around 65% less than the City of London average.
Barking and Dagenham, located just to the east of Newham, has the second lowest level of energy consumption in the UK. Their 218,534 residents consume an average of 1,135 kWhs per capita, and pay an average of £340 per person for their energy, the second lowest amount in the UK.
Consuming just 49 kWhs per hour more than Barking and Dagenham is Waltham Forest. Another London borough, the average Waltham Forest inhabitant consumes 1,184 kWhs of energy at an average cost of £355 per year. This is just £15 a year more than residents of Barking and Dagenham.
Local authorities with the highest and lowest percentages of unheated households
The local authority with the highest percentage of homes without central heating is the Isles of Scilly. With 942 households spread across 200 islands, less than a fifth (17.5%) don’t have central heating.
A breakdown of the UK local authorities with the highest percentage of unheated households
| 2022 local authorities | Total: All households | No central heating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | % | |
| Isles of Scilly | 942 | 165 | 17.5 |
| Westminster | 94,815 | 3,680 | 3.9 |
| City of London | 4,915 | 184 | 3.7 |
| Cornwall | 250,535 | 8,776 | 3.5 |
| Kensington and Chelsea | 66,884 | 2,300 | 3.4 |
| (Source: Uswitch via Gov.uk, ONS, and Ofgem) |
In the UK, there are 367,119 homes without central heating, accounting for around one in 75 homes.
The local authority with the next highest percentage of households without central heating is Westminster. This London borough has over a hundred times more households than the Isles of Scilly (924 vs 94,815), but 22 times more households without central heating by comparison. In all, there are 3,680 households without central heating in Westminster, making up 3.9% of all homes in the borough.
It’s a similar story in the City of London. Around 3.7% of homes in the borough don’t have central heating, amounting to 184 households.
A breakdown of the UK local authorities with the lowest percentage of unheated households
| 2022 local authorities | Total: All households | No central heating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | % | |
| Torfaen | 40,242 | 214 | 0.5 |
| Caerphilly | 76,257 | 395 | 0.5 |
| Bridgend | 62,361 | 302 | 0.5 |
| North East Derbyshire | 45,986 | 267 | 0.6 |
| Hart | 39,964 | 241 | 0.6 |
| (Source: Uswitch via Gov.uk, ONS, and Ofgem) |
The UK local authorities with the lowest percentage of non-centrally heated households are all located in Wales. Just 0.5% of households in Torfaen, Caerphilly, and Bridgend don’t have central heating in their homes, amounting to 214, 395, and 302 properties respectively.
This is 97% per cent less than the percentage of households in the Isles of Scilly that lack central heating.
The figure for the percentage of homes without central heating creeps up to 0.6% for both North East Derbyshire and Hart in Hampshire.
How much has local authority energy consumption changed over time in the UK?
Between 2015 and 2021, 36 of the 311 UK local authorities increased their energy consumption. The local authority that increased its energy consumption the most was Salford. In 2015, the Lancashire local authority was consuming a total of 414 million kWh. By 2021, residents of Salford were consuming around 444 million kWh. This represents a 7.3% increase in energy consumption across the six-year period.
A breakdown of the local authorities with the highest percentage of unheated homes
| Total domestic consumption (kWh) 2021 | Total domestic consumption (kWh) 2021 | Percentage change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salford | 414,916,448 | 444,868,661 | 0.073 |
| Tower Hamlets | 406,507,989 | 428,859,895 | 0.056 |
| Stratford-on-Avon | 272,333,441 | 282,836,331 | 0.042 |
| Vale of White Horse | 240,303,830 | 249,091,085 | 0.039 |
| Uttlesford | 177,613,534 | 183,410,166 | 0.036 |
| (Source: Uswitch via Gov.uk, ONS, and Ofgem) |
The next highest growth in energy consumption was Tower Hamlets, increasing by 5.6% between 2015 and 2021. From 2019 to 2020 alone, the amount of energy consumed in Tower Hamlets increased by around 6.3%, from 418 million kWh to 445 million kWh. During this period, Salford and Tower Hamlets were the only UK local authorities to experience a rise in energy consumption above 5%.
The third highest local authority for energy consumption growth is Stratford-on-Avon. In 2019, energy consumption stood at 275 million kWh, yet shot up by 8% in the space of a year to 297 million kWh. A reduction of 14 million kWh between 2021 to 2022 puts Stratford-on-Avon closer to its pre-pandemic levels. Between 2015 to 2021, the local authority’s energy consumption increased by 4.2%.
Overall, just 10 local authorities experienced an increase in energy consumption between 2015 and 2021 of more than 2%. In addition, 18 local authorities saw their energy consumption increase by more than 1% over this six-year period.
A breakdown of the local authorities which have decreased their energy consumption the most
| Total domestic consumption (kWh) 2015 | Total domestic consumption (kWh) 2021 | Percentage change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hastings | 159,926,948 | 140,094,441 | -12.50% |
| South Tyneside | 219,837,488 | 195,352,072 | -11.40% |
| Blackpool | 247,854,768 | 220,186,473 | -11.30% |
| Plymouth | 413,109,709 | 369,159,589 | -10.80% |
| Gateshead | 303,722,654 | 271,965,373 | -10.60% |
| (Source: Uswitch via Gov.uk, ONS, and Ofgem) |
In 2020, virtually every UK local authority, apart from the City of London and Westminster, saw their energy consumption increase. By 2021, every local authority experienced an overall reduction, with most returning to pre-pandemic levels.
The local authority that underwent the greatest reduction between 2015 and 2021 was Hastings. Energy consumption in this time decreased by 12.5%, from 160 million kWh to 140 million kWh. Over this six-year period, Hastings experienced just two years where energy consumption went up from the previous year (2017 and 2020).
Not far behind in terms of a reduction in energy consumption was South Tyneside. In 2015, South Tyneside consumed 220 million kWh. By 2019, this figure was down to 199 million kWh. After a 4.4% uptick in 2020, the amount of energy consumed fell by 6.2% in 2021. In all, South Tyneside’s energy consumption went down by 11.4% between 2015 and 2021.
Blackpool, another local authority in the north of England, also experienced a significant decline in energy consumption between 2015 and 2021, decreasing by 11.3%.
In all, 114 local authorities experienced a reduction in their energy consumption of more than 5% between 2015 and 2021. Meanwhile, 237 underwent a reduction of greater than 2%.
How has the number of electric meters in the UK changed over time?
Since 2015, every UK local authority has seen a rise in the number of electric meters. The local authority with the greatest increase is Tower Hamlets, increasing from 118,110 in 2015 to 138,770 by 2021. This represents a 16.4% rise.
What is an electric meter?
A device used to measure the amount of electricity consumed within a given location, in this case, people’s houses. Energy companies use these to measure how much their customers are using, for billing purposes.
A breakdown of the UK local authorities which have seen the biggest increase in electric meters
| Number of meters (thousands) 2015 | Number of meters (thousands) 2021 | Percentage change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tower Hamlets | 118.1 | 138.8 | 0.164 |
| Salford | 110.9 | 129 | 0.153 |
| South Derbyshire | 41.6 | 47.7 | 0.139 |
| Newham | 108.7 | 123.9 | 0.133 |
| Stratford-on-Avon | 55.5 | 62.9 | 0.127 |
| (Source: Uswitch via Gov.uk, ONS, and Ofgem) |
Not far behind Tower Hamlets is Salford. Between 2015 and 2021, the number of meters in the Lancashire local authority went up by 15.3%. Their biggest rise in a single year came in 2016, when the number of meters rose by 3.9%. As of 2021, there were almost 129,000 meters in this local authority.
South Derbyshire underwent a 13.9% increase in the number of meters between 2015 and 2021, rising to 47,700 (+13.9% in a six-year period).
A breakdown of the UK local authorities which have seen the smallest increase in electric meters
| Number of meters (thousands) 2015 | Number of meters (thousands) 2021 | Percentage change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isles of Scilly | 1.18 | 1.18 | 0.09 |
| Kensington and Chelsea | 88.35 | 88.47 | 0.14 |
| Portsmouth | 90.34 | 91.15 | 0.89 |
| Castle Point | 37.73 | 38.16 | 1.12 |
| Ipswich | 60.54 | 61.3 | 1.24 |
| (Source: Uswitch via Gov.uk, ONS, and Ofgem) |
The local authority that increased their number of electric meters the least was the Isles of Scilly. Between 2015 and 2021, the percentage of electric meters in the Isles of Scilly increased by 0.09%. In 2016, the islands experienced a rise of 0.26%, but this was cancelled out by decreases of 0.08% in 2017 and 0.09% in 2018. As of 2021, there were 1,180 electric meters across the islands.
Another local authority which experienced a marginal increase in the number of electric meters was Kensington and Chelsea. Between 2016 to 2021, there was a 0.14% increase in the number of electric meters in the London borough. The largest single rise came in 2021, when the quantity of electric meters rose from 88.350 to 88,470.
Portsmouth was the only other UK local authority that experienced an increase in electric meters of under 1%. In 2015, the Hampshire local authority had just 90,34 electric meters, yet by 2021 this had risen to 91,150.
In all, 18 local authorities saw their number of electric meters increase by under 2% between 2015 and 2021. In addition, 106 local authorities experienced a rise of less than 4% during this period.
Factors affecting UK energy prices
There are numerous factors that can affect the overall cost of your gas and electricity bill. From external factors, like the price of wholesale energy, to reasons closer to home, like the energy efficiency, or the EPC rating of your property.
Providers can also charge significantly different costs for their services and, in some cases, switching your energy provider can present an opportunity to reduce your monthly outlays.
How does the cost of wholesale energy affect my energy bill?
Wholesale energy is electricity or gas that is purchased in bulk by domestic energy suppliers to supply to you, the customer.
Energy companies will buy wholesale energy from energy producers, and then add additional charges to cover the various costs involved in distributing the domestic energy used to power your home.
These additional costs can include:
Network and equipment costs (e.g. maintaining gas pipes and electricity cables)
Operating costs like billing and metering, and VAT.
As such, the price of wholesale energy has a considerable impact on the cost of your bill, as well as the cost of energy for businesses.
A breakdown of the cost of wholesale electricity between July 2022 and February 2024
The latest UK energy stats show a steady fall in the price of wholesale electricity between 2022-23. After reaching record highs in the summer of 2022, wholesale prices fell by around 47% between the final week of July 2022 and the last week of December 2022.
The decline in wholesale prices continued in January 2023, falling below £200 per megawatt per hour (MWh) for the first time since February 2022. By the last week of May 2023, wholesale prices had fallen to £104.33 – a 75% decrease from July 2022 and the lowest price recorded since September 2021.
Wholesale electricity prices continued to decrease in the latter half of 2023 and into the start of 2024. Between June 2023 and December 2023, the average price of wholesale electricity fell by close to a third (31%) from £115.35 to £79.94.
This trend continued with the price dropping by around a fifth (22%) between December 2023 and February 2024, reaching a low £61.95.
A breakdown of the cost of wholesale gas between July 2022 and February 2024
Recent UK energy stats found that wholesale gas prices fell steeply between 2022-23. After soaring to record levels in the summer of 2022, prices decreased 49% between July and December 2022, from £4.20 per therm to £2.14 per therm.
Prices continued to decrease steadily in the early months of 2023, before falling by more than a quarter (26%) between April and May 2023. By the final week of May 2023, wholesale gas was priced at around 96p per therm. This represents a 77% decrease from July 2022, and marks the first time wholesale gas prices have fallen below £1 per therm since September 2021.
Between June and August 2023, average UK gas prices fluctuated. Initially, they fell by 13% from £129.97 in June to £112.30 in July, before rising by a fifth (20%) to £135.21 in August.
From there, the average price of gas in the UK steadily decreased. From September to December 2023, the typical gas price fell by a third from £128.44 to £85.35. This trend continued, with the price falling by a further fifth (21%) to £67.07 in February 2024.
How does your home's EPC rating affect your energy bill?
An energy performance certificate (EPC) is a rating given by an accredited energy assessor that indicates the energy efficiency of your home. An EPC survey grades your property from A (best) to G (worst) and is valid for 10 years.
An EPC document also indicates how much it will cost to heat your home and how much CO2 it emits.
The scores associated with each grade are:
Band A – 92 plus (most efficient)
Band B – 81 to 91
Band C – 69 to 80
Band D – 55 to 68
Band E – 39 to 54
Band F – 21 to 38
Band G – 1 to 20 (least efficient)
Your EPC rating can be affected by numerous things including:
How well your property is insulated
The efficiency of your boiler
The latest UK energy statistics found that repairing or updating your boiler can reduce the cost of your energy bill. If you're having a problem with your boiler, you'll want it repaired quickly with relevant safety checks, and highly trained engineers.
What type of shower you have installed
Whether or not your property has renewable energy equipment installed.
Which UK region has the most energy-efficient homes?
A UK energy report from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) found that the median average energy score across all homes was 67 in England and 65 in Wales, as of March 2022. Both of these median scores are equivalent to an EPC rating of D.
The highest average scores were found in London and the South East, which both recorded median ratings of 68.
A regional breakdown of the median energy efficiency scores for homes in England and Wales (up to March 2022)
| Region | Median energy efficiency score (all dwellings) |
|---|---|
| London | 69 |
| North East | 68 |
| East of England | 68 |
| South East | 68 |
| South West | 68 |
| North West | 67 |
| East Midlands | 67 |
| West Midlands | 67 |
| Wales | 66 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 66 |
| (Source: ONS) |
Every English region in 2022 recorded a median energy efficiency rating of D, with only three points separating the lowest-scoring and the highest-scoring regions. Yorkshire and The Humber and Wales were the lowest-scoring regions, both receiving median average energy efficiency scores of 66.
What type of property is the most energy efficient?
The latest UK energy statistics found that flats and maisonettes are the most efficient property type across the country, with median energy scores of 73 in England and 73 in Wales (both equivalent to band C).
A breakdown of the median energy efficiency rating of various property types in England and Wales (up to March 2023)
| Property Type | Median energy efficiency rating in England | Median energy efficiency rating in Wales |
|---|---|---|
| Flat/maisonette | 73 | 73 |
| Terraced House | 66 | 64 |
| Semi-detached House | 65 | 65 |
| Detached house | 66 | 64 |
| (Source: ONS) |
There were some notable differences in the energy efficiency rankings across England and Wales. Semi-detached houses were found to be the least efficient homes in England (65), yet received the second-highest efficiency score in Wales (65).
Contrastingly, while detached houses and terraced houses were the joint second most efficient homes in England (65), they were the most efficient in Wales (64).
Is the inefficiency of your boiler causing your energy bills to rise? We have a range of deals available for the most efficient new boilers on the market, as well as boiler repair services to help keep your monthly costs down.
How does the age of a building affect its energy efficiency?
UK household efficiency statistics indicate that the newer the home the more energy efficient it’s likely to be. The most energy-efficient homes in both England and Wales were those built after 2012, with 84% of those in England built in this period being energy-efficient.
A breakdown of the energy efficiency of homes by year of build
Homes built prior to 1930 are around a third (30%) less efficient on average than those built after 2012, while they are typically almost a fifth (18%) less efficient than ones built from 1983 to 2011.
The number of homes with energy-efficient measures (2015 to 2022)
Household efficiency data shows that the number of UK homes with energy-efficient measures gradually increased between 2015 and 2022.
A breakdown of the number of homes with energy-efficient measures
Between 2015 and 2019, the number of UK houses with cavity wall insulation increased by 7% from 13,320 to 14,340. During the same time frame, the number of houses with loft insulations grew by 5% from 15,890 to 16,670.
These increases continued through 2022 in terms of the number of houses with cavity walls and loft insulation (+5% and +4%, respectively).
UK households in fuel poverty
Between 2010 and 2020, the percentage of UK households in fuel poverty steadily decreased from 22% to 13%. The biggest single decrease came between 2010 and 2012 when the number of households dropped by 2.5 percentage points.
A breakdown of UK households in fuel poverty (2010 to 2022)
| Year | Percentage of households in fuel poverty | Average fuel poverty gap |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 22% | £350 |
| 2012 | 19.50% | £330 |
| 2014 | 17% | £320 |
| 2016 | 16% | £290 |
| 2018 | 15% | £260 |
| 2020 | 13% | £240 |
| 2022 | 13.50% | £340 |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
This was the case until 2022, when the percentage of households in fuel poverty increased by 0.5 percentage points, from 13% to 13.5%.
The average fuel poverty gap also decreased between 2010 and 2020, falling by close to a third (31%) from £350 to £240. In the space of two years (2020-22), the average fuel poverty gap increased by £100, from £240 to £340 – a figure not recorded since around 2010-12.
Household fuel expenditure as a percentage of income
In total, the percentage of people’s income that they spend on household fuel expenditure has increased from 4.5% to 4.9% between 1990 and 2021-22.
A breakdown of household fuel expenditure as a percentage of income (1990 to 2021/22)
Between 1990 and 2000-01, the percentage of income people spent on household fuel decreased, dropping by 1.4%. From there it increased, first by 1.4% between 2000-01 and 2010 and then by 0.3% in 2020-21.
UK renewable energy statistics
With the UK aiming to reach net zero by 2050, a primary part of that strategy is a transition to a green energy system with zero-carbon generation. A key component of this strategy will be a significant increase in the production and usage of renewable electricity across the UK.
The UK appears to be on the right track, with renewable energy statistics showing that wind energy and solar energy capacity increased considerably between 2004 and 2024.
UK energy mix statistics
UK energy mix statistics showcase how much the sources of UK energy have changed over time. In 1990, coal was the main source of UK electricity, generating almost three-quarters (71%) of all UK energy. By contrast, oil and gas made up 6.5%, while wind, solar and other renewables didn’t produce any energy in the UK.
A breakdown of the electricity generated by different fuel types (1990-2022)
| 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coal | 229.9 | 120 | 107.6 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 5.6 |
| Oil and other fuels | 20.7 | 13.6 | 10.5 | 12 | 11.2 | 12 |
| Gas | 0.4 | 148.1 | 175.7 | 112.7 | 123.1 | 125 |
| Nuclear | 63.2 | 85.1 | 62.1 | 50.3 | 45.9 | 47.7 |
| Hydro | 5.6 | 5.1 | 3.6 | 6.9 | 5.4 | 5.6 |
| Wind and Solar | - | 0.9 | 10.3 | 87.9 | 76.7 | 93.6 |
| Other renewable | - | 4.3 | 12.3 | 39.5 | 40 | 35.8 |
| Total electricity generated | 319.7 | 377.1 | 382 | 314.6 | 308.9 | 325.3 (TWH) |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
Between 1990 and 2022, the production of coal significantly decreased, while the production of renewable energy sources increased. Between 2010 and 2020 alone, the total electricity generated by coal dropped by 94.9%.
During the same time frame, wind and solar increased by 753%, from 10.3 TWH to 87.9 TWH. By 2022, wind and solar made up more than a quarter (28.7%) of the UK’s energy mix.
What percentage of the UK domestic energy market is green energy?
As of 2024, renewable energy forms a substantial part of the electricity powering UK homes and businesses, with the UK progressing towards a fully renewable and carbon-free electricity system.
In 2020, for the first time in UK history, more than two-fifths (43%) of electricity was sourced from renewables, including wind, solar, bioenergy, and hydroelectric sources.
As of 15 May 2023, the UK has cumulatively generated one trillion kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable electricity, sufficient to supply UK homes for 12 years given average consumption. Achieving this milestone took 50 years, but projections suggest the next trillion kWh will be reached by 2030.
UK energy statistics FAQs
How much does the UK spend on energy per year?
Recent UK energy statistics found that the total selling value of UK energy was £69.7 billion in 2021. This represents a 23% increase from the previous year.
How much does the UK spend on electricity?
As of 2021, the UK electricity industry had a total selling value of £43.8 billion – a 14% rise from the previous year.
How much does the UK spend on gas?
The latest UK energy statistics found that the UK gas industry had a combined selling value of £25.9 billion in 2021. This is a 43% increase from 2020.
Are smart meters worth it?
Yes, having a smart meter installed in your home allows you to track your energy consumption in real time. These devices measure how much gas and electricity you’re using via a remote conneciton to your supplier. The main screen of a smart meter will tell you how much energy you’re using in real time, so you can make necessary adjustments to reduce consumption before costs mount up.
What is the current Energy Price Cap rate?
As of April 2024, the Energy Price Cap is set to £1,690 per year. This is the first time since July 2023 that the price cap has fallen below £2,000.
How can I reduce my energy bills?
Despite the volatile nature of energy costs, there are an array of everyday changes you can make to keep the costs of your energy bills down. Ensuring that appliances (like televisions, lights, and other electronics) are turned off when you’re not using them might seem simplistic, but this can make a big difference to your overall bill.
Other changes, like monitoring the efficiency of your home and making necessary upgrades to heating appliances, can help ensure your home is wasting less energy and keep your overheads to a minimum.
Finally, installing smart appliances like smart meters can be a great way to track your energy use and ensure you're only using what you need. You can find more info on these changes and many more by visiting our comprehensive guide on energy-saving tips for your home.
UK energy glossary
Bioenergy
Bioenergy is a form of renewable energy that is taken from recently living, organic materials known as biomass, which can be used to produce electricity, heat, transportation fuels, and other products.
Energy Price Cap
The Energy Price Cap is a UK Government policy which sets a maximum price for suppliers and how much they can charge consumers for each kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy they use. The rate of the Energy Price Cap fluctuates to reflect the costs of wholesale energy.
Energy Price Certificate (EPC)
An energy performance certificate (EPC) is a score provided by an accredited assessor of your home’s energy efficiency. An EPC survey grades your property from A (best) to G (worst), and is valid for 10 years.
Hydroelectric energy
Hydroelectric energy is a form of renewable energy that relies on the power of moving water to generate electricity.
Offshore wind energy
Offshore wind energy is energy taken from the force of winds at sea and converted into electricity via wind farms.
Onshore wind energy
Onshore wind energy is energy generated by wind turbines on land that is generated from the natural movement of air. This energy is then converted into electricity.
Renewable energy
Renewable energy is energy derived from sources that naturally replenish, or renew themselves. Examples of renewable energy sources are wind, solar, and hydropower.
Solar Power
Solar power is an energy resource in which energy is taken from sunlight and converted into electrical energy.
Wholesale energy
Wholesale energy refers to the bulk purchase of energy products by suppliers from energy generators. The wholesale energy purchased by suppliers is then used to provide energy to their customers (e.g. homes and businesses).
Sources and methodology
https://www.statista.com/study/42055/energy-supply-in-the-uk/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/545396/value-electricity-gas-all-consumers-united-kingdom-uk/
https://www.statista.com/study/42055/energy-supply-in-the-uk/
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6581cb5aed3c34000d3bfbfc/UK_Energy_in_Brief_2023.pdf
https://www.statista.com/statistics/545396/value-electricity-gas-all-consumers-united-kingdom-uk/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/665727/domestic-gas-market-shares-gb/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58090533
https://www.britishgas.co.uk/energy/guides/average-bill.html
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/annual-domestic-energy-price-statistics
https://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/guides/average-gas-and-electricity-bills-in-the-uk/
https://www.britishgas.co.uk/energy/guides/average-bill.html
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-price-cap
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-data-and-research/data-portal/wholesale-market-indicators
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/annual-domestic-energy-price-statistics
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/annual-domestic-energy-price-statistics
https://www.statista.com/statistics/274057/renewable-energy-consumption-in-the-united-kingdom/
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-trends-section-6-renewables
https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/how-much-uks-energy-renewable
https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/how-much-uks-energy-renewable
Local authority energy consumption data
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sub-national-electricity-consumption-data
https://www.ons.gov.uk/census/census2021dictionary/variablesbytopic
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/check-if-energy-price-cap-affects-you
