Household energy use has fallen by 10%, electricity suppliers in the UK have reported. The gas and electricity usage of British homes has dropped since October as the cost of living soars and the energy crisis hits.
Two of Britain’s biggest suppliers - E.ON, Britain’s second-largest supplier, and the owner of Utility Warehouse - say there have been “double-digit” declines in recent weeks, reports the Guardian. It comes as business secretary Grant Shapps sent a letter to Britain’s energy bosses saying: "Households shouldn’t see their direct debits rise when their energy use falls."
He tweeted a letter to suppliers which he says is "making clear people’s bills should reflect the energy they use". The letter said he is "disturbed" consumers had been told their direct debits would go up “when they are making huge efforts to reduce their usage to save money at a time when household incomes are squeezed”.
He added: “With other costs increasing for households, it is critical that we do what we can to help. I am interested to understand how you intend to ensure that your direct debit system does not overestimate charging.”
Meanwhile, chief executive of E.ON Michael Lewis, which provides 5.6 million customers, said it's “seeing reductions of 10 to 15%” compared to previous seasonal averages.
The Guardian reported Mr Lewis said: "It’s quite a big effect. We’re analysing our data and trying to understand what’s happening.
"It will likely be people putting the heating on for shorter periods or turning down the thermostat in their home. Those are the two big levers.”
Chief executive of Telecom Plus - which owns Utility Warehouse - Andrew Lindsay put gas use as down around 10%, adding “our expectation is that there will be a further decline in consumption as people self regulate. We’re forecasting a further double-digit decline in consumption”.
Earlier this week, The Times reported that ministers are preparing a £25 million public information campaign including advice such as switching off radiators in empty rooms and taking showers instead of baths. Officials have identified eight changes to save up to £420 a year including reducing the flow temperature from boilers, switching electrical devices off rather than leaving them on standby and changing from baths to showers.
