In 2011, 111 Terrawatt hours (TWh) of electricity were consumed in UK households, resulting in 59 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Electricity consumption in UK households has decreased by around 11% since 2004 and is similar to the level of use in 2000.

Why is this important – Over half of electricity consumption in UK households relates to use of consumer electronics, such as computers, washing machines, and televisions.

 Electricity comsumption by households, UK  2000-2011

• Electricity consumption for lighting and cold appliances (fridges and freezers) have shown notable decreases between 2000 and 2011, 26 per cent and 14 per cent respectively. This highlights the improved energy efficiency in both product groups.
• Electricity consumption for Consumer Electronics has more than doubled since 2000. The Defra household study in 2011 found that on average 9-16 per cent of household electricity use resulted from products being left on standby.
• The results from the Defra public attitudes survey conducted in 2009 estimate that 60 per cent of light bulbs in the home are now energy efficient light bulbs.

Data download

The key facts publication contains a downloadable version of this page
Sustainable Consumption and Production Indicators
Department for Energy and Climate Change
Government policy on Green economy, green business