Households cut energy use by a quarter

Households in England and Wales cut their energy use by a quarter over a six year period, according to the Office for National Statisitics.

Average consumption of gas and electricity fell by 24.7% between 2005 and 2011.

Customers have faced steep increases in bills over the period, and may be economising as a result.

The regulator, Ofgem, said that bills have risen by 28% in the last three years.

But increasing use of energy efficiency measures, such as insulation, double-glazing and new boilers, may also be playing its part.

“This fall in consumption shows how effective it is to insulate your home,” said a spokesman for Energy UK, which represents Britain’s energy suppliers.

“Britain’s homes are notoriously leaky and energy companies have been busy improving properties to make them warmer and easier to heat,” he said