DECC has released their latest Energy Trends statistics earlier today, which now include provisional data for entire 2011 (up to Q4). The general trend is that we use less energy. Domestic electricity consumption in the UK dropped more than 5% in 2011, the biggest drop ever! It continues the trend of declining electricity usage since 2005, and currently electricity usage is about the same as it was 12 years ago in 2000.

More efficient lighting, better insulation and more cost-conscious consumers are largely responsible for this drop in usage, as is the massive increase in energy prices (up to 20% last year). Further improvements in energy efficiency of appliances and buildings could continue this trend, although the increased use of smartphones and tablets goes against it. High electricity prices are likely the best contributors to the drop in consumption.

In a blog post next week we’ll talk about the share of solar panels in generating this domestic electricity!