Newly released data shows record fall in domestic gas consumption in Northumberland

Campaign group National Energy Action said households may be reducing their energy use to “dangerously low levels” and called on the Government to provide more support to the most vulnerable.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) figures show Northumberland residents used 1,489 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of gas in 2022.

This was a 13.9% fall on the year before, the largest decrease in domestic gas usage since comparable records began in 2011.

Nationally, domestic gas use fell by 12.7% in 2022 – also the highest decline in 16 years – which the DESNZ report said is “likely related to elevated energy prices as well as the generally high cost of living”.

Peter Smith, director of policy at National Energy Action, warned it is likely many of the 6.5million households in the UK “are having to cut their energy consumption to dangerously low levels”.

He added: “We are continuing to call on the UK Government to provide more support to protect the most vulnerable people. We know millions of people are no longer getting the support they need to offset the worst ongoing impact of this energy crisis.”

The DESNZ said it “recognises the cost-of-living challenges families are facing” and is providing £104 billion of support with bills.

A spokesperson added: “Thanks to our Warm Home Discount, three million low-income households are expected to benefit from £150 targeted support this winter.”