Electricity demand in the United Kingdom (UK) 2000-2022

The United Kingdom’s demand for electricity has been declining since 2005, dipping below 330 terawatt-hours in 2022. This is despite the population growth in the United Kingdom during this time period. Some factors for this decline are energy efficiency regulations, energy-efficient lighting, and changing consumer habits.

Domestic electricity consumption

Households are the largest electricity end-users in the UK. In fact, domestic consumption is the only sector that registered year-over-year growth over the past few years, reaching roughly 109 terawatt-hours in 2022. Nevertheless, the average domestic electricity consumption varied from region to region. Consumption was highest in the East, South East, and South West of England, each registering an average of more than 4,000 kilowatt-hours per household.

Electricity generation in decline

Keeping up with the decline in demand, electricity generation in the UK has also been decreasing. In 2021, approximately 308 terawatt-hours were produced, the lowest output in at least three decades. Although electricity generation has been in decline, renewable generation has increased significantly. As of 2021, renewables accounted for the largest electricity generation capacity in the UK, and that capacity is forecast to more than double by 2040. By 2025, the use of coal is expected to have been completely phased out.