Average energy usage continues to fall across the UK. It is now only 19,668kWh, 6.4 per cent less than last quarter and 10 per cent less than the same period last year.

Whilst falls were widespread, the biggest decreases were seen in North East England and South Wales. The biggest consumers of energy are now businesses in London and South East England. Both use over 5,000kWh, or 32.3 per cent, more energy per annum than those in North East England.

The figures, from software provider POWWR, have been released in latest Quarterly Energy Barometer Report.

“There is no doubt that businesses in the UK have become increasingly savvy at limiting their energy use. So much so that they are using significantly less energy than they were six months ago,” comments David Sheldrake, CRO, POWWR.

Well, that’s one way to look at it. Another is that commercial activity outside the South East is decreasing. The raw figures can’t distinguish between more efficient use and declining productivity.

The amount UK businesses are paying for their energy has fallen considerably quarter on quarter. The average UK business now spends £4,804 on electricity per annum, which is 17 per cent less than last quarter. Very small businesses have seen the biggest fall this quarter (of 19.5 per cent) and are now paying only £1,194 for their electricity annually. Those using gas have seen even bigger falls with prices on average 40.8 per cent lower than they were in Q2.

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