Energy usage in Lancaster homes falls amid fears some people may be reducing their use to dangerous levels

Energy usage has fallen dramatically across Great Britain in recent years, with the End Fuel Poverty Coalition warning some may be continuing to reduce their energy consumption to dangerous levels.

Figures from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero show residents of Lancaster used a total of 620 gigawatt hours (GWh) of gas in 2023.

This was up from 594 GWh in 2022, but down 15% from 729 GWh in 2019.

Meanwhile, households in the area used 205 GWh of electricity in 2023 – a rise from 198 GWh in 2022, but a 7% drop from 219 GWh in 2019.

Across Great Britain, domestic gas usage fell 13% between 2019 and 2023, while electricity fell 6%.

Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said the reduction could be "caused by many factors" including better energy efficiency and improved insulation.

However, he warned it may not all be good news.

Mr Francis said: "Research has found that households in fuel poverty are reducing their energy consumption to dangerously low levels.

"Some of the UK’s poorest households use 21% less energy during cold weather than other households, leaving them exposed to potentially dangerous, cold and damp homes.

"With energy bills rising again on January 1, it is ever more urgent that the Government combines investment in long term measures to tackle fuel poverty with short term support for struggling households."

He urged the introduction of a reduced social energy tariff for those who might be at risk of living in dangerous conditions and greater investment in insulation.

The energy price cap rose by 1.2% on New Year's Day.

A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: "Our warm homes plan will help people find ways to save money on energy bills and deliver warmer, cleaner to heat homes, with up to 300,000 households to benefit from upgrades next year.

"This will also ensure that new homes are fit for a net zero future, so people can generate their own electricity, cut their bills and at the same time help fight climate change."

They added the Government is doing "everything possible" to support vulnerable families, including a £150 discount for those struggling to pay bills.