Households
Domestic energy consumption has increased by 32 per cent since 1970 and by 19 per cent since 1990. (BERR 3.1)
Final energy consumption for the domestic sector is 44,015 thousand toe (BERR)
82 per cent of energy used in households is for space or water heating. (BERR 3.1)
What is clear is that making savings in the domestic sector will benefit consumers through saving money and benefit the UK in general by decreasing the generating capacity required.
The pressure on the UK generating capacity is high as the UK attempts to change the way it generates electricity from fossil-based fuels to cleaner, renewable energy.
One thing that we can all do is to avoid wasting electricity. The main area we have control of is the house we live in.
Energy loss from an uninsulated house
The National Insulation Association states that the heat loss from an uninsulated home is:
- 45% through uninsulated solid wall
- 33% through uninsulated cavity wall
- 25% from the roof space
- 20% through windows and doors
(source: National Insulation Association) - Energy loss from an uninsulated house
UK Energy Act 2011
The Act provides for the provision of energy efficiency measures to homes and businesses. The emphasis is on securing low-carbon energy supplies and ensuring fair competition in the energy markets.
The private rented sector allows tenants to make energy efficiency improvements where finance packages (e.g. the Green Deal, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is available.
From 2018 it will be illegal to rent residential or business properties that do not mee a minimum energy efficiency standard.
The energy companies have new obligations to meet, including supporting those on low incomes, enabling low carbon technologies and improving energy efficiency, amongst other things.
(Energy Bill 2011) - Energy Bill 2011