Skip to content 
Guidance
UK Household Energy Efficiency Statistics (Headline Release October 2024)
- From: Kevin Smith
- Published 8 November 2024
October 2024 shines the spotlight on household energy efficiency as households pay more for energy and are only slowly discovering that awareness, not merely money, is the new driver. So here’s what that means for households and how much work is yet to be done with the latest fresh figures.
All these insights tell us that it’s not just about reducing our carbon footprint, but instead economic benefits of investments in energy efficiency-from government initiatives to regional disparities, they have so much information packed into these findings. Whether you are a homeowner interested in ways to save on bills or an interested environmentalist, this release is sure to provide valuable knowledge about where we stand today and what’s in store for household energy efficiency across the UK.
Overview of the October 2024 Release
The release of household energy efficiency statistics in October 2024 reflects the continued work into improving the use of residential energy across the UK. This most comprehensive report captures key trends and facts compiled over the last year relating to good practice and lessons learned.
Installations under these schemes increase according to government initiatives aiming at inspiring homeowners with energy efficiency. These make homes more sustainable while reducing carbon emissions at large.
This issue also takes into account regional disparities based on information which depicts how different regions are performing in terms of their pursuit of efficiency in energy provision. The knowledge of these disparities may help in targeting interventions in areas that still lag behind.
What can be found in these results this month is also a prospect of how much can be saved in the future, giving households an idea of what to expect if the trends are anything to go by. Decomposing these insights gives stakeholders a better clue on navigating the path toward a greener future for all homeowners across the nation.
Table 6.8: Estimated ECO4 costs, by obligation and by quarter (April 2022 to June 2024)
Key Highlights and Findings
Recently released statistics about household energy efficiency are quite indicative of the UK’s move towards more sustainable living. The most positive trends relate to ECO installations, which have multiplied manifold over the past year. Rising growth signals increased dedication from homeowners and energy companies alike.
Regional disparities are also experienced. Regions with bigger budgetary allocations have energy ratings that show more miles ahead than the rest. These disparities lead to a call for initiatives targeted at regional disparities.
Carbon and energy projections point towards a bright future in terms of the outcome. If current efforts can be sustained, then by 2030, reductions will be huge, pushing the importance of attaining climate goals.
Homeowners are finally beginning to realise the benefits from investing in energy-efficient solutions. Increased awareness also leads to more participation in government plans geared towards improving home sustainability, a highly auspicious tone for years to come.
1. Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Installations
The Energy Company Obligation, or ECO, now plays a critical role in enhancing household energy efficiency throughout the UK. It requires large suppliers to invest in measures that improve the energy performance of homes and that are especially occupied by low-income households.
ECO installations have seen an upturn vastly in recent statistics released for October 2024. From improving insulation upgrades to ECO heating system improvements, it leaves a tangible variation. Homeowners are not only achieving bill-busting reductions but also gaining comfort within their living spaces.
More importantly, focusing on vulnerable groups will ensure that support is in the right place at the right time. Consequently, ECO is not only about compliance but, rather, a key strategy that focuses on energising communities at large. With continuous commitment from energy companies, it is clear that collaborative effort toward sustainability requires housing solutions.
Infographic 1: ECO measures by measure type, up to end August 2024
2. Regional Disparities
Regional disparities in household energy efficiency across the UK are striking. Some have witnessed much progress, while others remain behind.
It is quite evident in the fact that urban areas tend to receive better resources and incentives. As a result, their rates of energy-efficient installations are relatively higher, as compared to rural regions with less robust support systems.
The North East is still facing issues. The limited income and older housing could not promote the improvements. This then contradicts with the southern regions, wherein the area is more active because of the local policies that are more potent and the activities of the community that are conducted.
The mentioned differences require targeted solutions targeting specific conditions in a region. Knowing these differences, stakeholders could implement specific strategies that promote equity among the country’s energy efficiency efforts.
Chart 11: Regional share of ECO measures and of GB Households, up to end June 2024
Chart 9: ECO measures by region, up to end June 2024
3. Carbon and Energy Savings Projections
This most recent statistics on household energy efficiency shows excellent growth in carbon and energy savings projections. Contributed by the rising statistics of domestic households upgrading to efficient technology, it clearly depicts the numbers of reduced emissions.
According to recent statistics, UK homes may save more than 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide yearly up to 2025. Change in this aspect reflects a growing awareness amongst the householder of their impact upon the environment.
Energy-efficient installations have a reason to justify the savings on bills: national climate goals will be met more critically. The switch to greener alternatives might dramatically decrease overall energy usage in the country.
Interestingly, these projections also highlight economic gains often tied to energy efficiency. Energy consumers who opt to upgrade will begin experiencing payback through utility savings, with that savings greasing their pocketbook while supporting broadly beneficial sustainability efforts.
Table 1.4a: Estimated carbon and energy savings through ECO CERO and CSCO
Estimated lifetime carbon saving (MtCO2) | ||||
Measure type [n4] | Non-traded | Traded | Total | Estimated lifetime energy saving (GWh) |
Boiler [n5] | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Cavity Wall Insulation | 16.16 | 2.03 | 18.19 | 77,221 |
Doors | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0 |
Lighting [n5] | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Loft Insulation | 8.35 | 1.06 | 9.41 | 37,827 |
Micro-generation [n5] | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Other Heating | 1.30 | 1.30 | 2.60 | 5,630 |
Other Insulation | 0.13 | 0.03 | 0.16 | 623 |
Solid Wall Insulation | 3.84 | 0.80 | 4.64 | 18,073 |
Window Glazing | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.04 | 101 |
Total | 29.79 | 5.24 | 35.03 | 139,476 |
Table 1.4b: Estimated carbon and energy savings through ECO (Affordable Warmth) [n6]
| Estimated lifetime carbon saving (MtCO2) |
|
|
|
Measure type [n4] | Non-traded | Traded | Total | Estimated lifetime energy saving (GWh) |
Boiler [n5] | 5.75 | 0.00 | 5.76 | 26,337 |
Cavity Wall Insulation | 5.43 | 0.69 | 6.11 | 19,676 |
Doors | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0 |
Lighting [n5] | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Loft Insulation | 3.12 | 1.23 | 4.35 | 12,060 |
Micro-generation [n5] | 0.05 | 0.00 | 0.05 | 57 |
Other Heating | 1.52 | 2.09 | 3.60 | 10,235 |
Other Insulation | 1.26 | 0.08 | 1.34 | 5,758 |
Solid Wall Insulation | 1.01 | 0.90 | 1.91 | 4,429 |
Window Glazing | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 2 |
Total | 18.13 | 4.99 | 23.12 | 78,555 |
Table 1.4c: Estimated carbon and energy savings through Cashback
| Estimated lifetime carbon saving (MtCO2) |
|
|
|
Measure type [n4] | Non-traded | Traded | Total | Estimated lifetime energy saving (GWh) |
Boiler [n5] | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 48 |
Cavity Wall Insulation | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 33 |
Doors | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1 |
Lighting [n5] | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Loft Insulation | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.02 | 92 |
Micro-generation [n5] | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Other Heating | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0 |
Other Insulation | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 8 |
Solid Wall Insulation | 0.07 | 0.00 | 0.07 | 319 |
Window Glazing | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 4 |
Total | 0.11 | 0.00 | 0.11 | 507 |
Table 1.4d: Estimated carbon and energy savings through Green Deal Home Improvement Fund
| Estimated lifetime carbon saving (MtCO2) |
|
|
|
Measure type [n4] | Non-traded | Traded | Total | Estimated lifetime energy saving (GWh) |
Boiler [n5] | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 66 |
Cavity Wall Insulation | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 41 |
Doors | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 6 |
Lighting [n5] | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 3 |
Loft Insulation | 0.03 | 0.00 | 0.03 | 130 |
Micro-generation [n5] | 0.00 | 0.19 | 0.19 | 359 |
Other Heating | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 8 |
Other Insulation | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.02 | 77 |
Solid Wall Insulation | 0.09 | 0.00 | 0.09 | 424 |
Window Glazing | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 6 |
Total | 0.17 | 0.19 | 0.35 | 1,119 |
Table 1.4f: Estimated carbon and energy savings in total [n2]
| Estimated lifetime carbon saving (MtCO2) |
|
|
|
Measure type [n4] | Non-traded | Traded | Total | Estimated lifetime energy saving (GWh) |
Boiler [n5] | 5.77 | 0.00 | 5.79 | 26,478 |
Cavity Wall Insulation | 21.62 | 2.72 | 24.33 | 97,004 |
Doors | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 34 |
Lighting [n5] | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 3 |
Loft Insulation | 11.53 | 2.29 | 13.82 | 50,143 |
Micro-generation [n5] | 0.05 | 0.19 | 0.24 | 416 |
Other Heating | 2.83 | 3.39 | 6.21 | 15,916 |
Other Insulation | 1.43 | 0.11 | 1.54 | 6,541 |
Solid Wall Insulation | 5.98 | 1.70 | 7.68 | 27,740 |
Window Glazing | 0.03 | 0.02 | 0.05 | 137 |
Total | 49.23 | 10.42 | 59.64 | 224,415 |
Upgrade Your Heating System For Free
If you or any of your household is on benefits, you may be eligible for Home Upgrade Grant England.
Progress of the Green Deal Scheme
The Green Deal Scheme has gained ground steadily since the introduction of the said program. The objective of this scheme is household energy efficiency enhancement and financing assistance to improve it on the property.
A wide range of home improvements may include insulation and heating system upgrades. The variety in the list can mean that households will have a more differentiated ability to benefit with their unique household needs.
Despite these early integration issues, latest statistics reflect increased consumer awareness. Many see value in the potential savings and environmental benefits it offers as a strong reason to get involved.
Energy suppliers are now partnering with local authorities to make the process easier for residents to gain funding and resources.
Constant monitoring points out weaknesses in the scheme. An invaluable source of feedback for future projects will be through participants, hence in keeping step with the evolution of technology and homeowner expectations.
Chart 8: Green Deal Plans, by ‘Live’ or ‘Completed’ status, by quarter, up to end June 2024
Insights and Next Steps
The newly published household energy efficiency statistics hold so much information related to excellent opportunities to improve. Energy audits tailored for individual households let an area where households can save be identified and highlighted.
The new activities going forward should include intensified sensitization of the resource targeting programs available for the government’s enhancement on energy efficiency. The local councils must aggressively be in charge of informing people about available resources.
Community engagement programs will be very good opportunities to work together with residents to share knowledge and practical advice on how to reduce the amount of energy being used.
Technology is also the key. Smart appliances provide very useful information that would make it possible for users to track energy in real time.
The future of partnerships between government and business sectors, working together with homeowners, will point the way towards solutions that drive real change to the way energy is handled in households today.
Chart 1: ECO measures installed, by obligation, by month, up to end August 2024
Importance of Energy Efficiency in Households
Energy efficiency in the home is not just a buzzword; it is actually the need to live sustainably. Adopting practices and technologies of energy efficiency can help households save a considerable amount of money on utility bills. For families, saving money through being energy-efficient is an important contribution toward fighting climate change for future generations. The influence does not stop at one’s own household but speaks for the whole society.
Chart 5: Estimated lifetime bill savings for Affordable Warmth measures, by installation quarter, up to end March 2022
Current Trends and Statistics
Household energy efficiency is a key trend as 2024 is near to end. Recent statistics reveal that homeowners in the UK are increasingly investing in energy-efficient technologies. Smart thermostats, solar panels, and high-efficiency appliances have become the order of the day. More than 60% of households in the UK have some form of energy-efficient measures deployed. This alone helps reduce utility bills and brings down carbon emissions.
The increasing public awareness of climate change has been a significant milestone. Families are increasingly opting to make home improvements not only comfortable and cost-effective but sustainable. Regional differences are still very prevalent, with urban areas being much more willing to rapidly embrace energy efficiency than the rural regions, but government incentives continue to fill this gap. As the benefits are realised by greater individuals, it becomes increasingly apparent that these trends will both influence future policies and dictate new homeowner decisions. The push toward greener homes is accelerating at a breakneck rate.
Chart 2a: Share of all ECO measures installed, by measure type, by ECO phase, up to end August 2024
Impact on the Environment and Climate Change
Home energy efficiency is one of the critical actions a human can undertake to mitigate environmental impacts or combat climate change. Efficiency increases reduce demand for energy, reducing greenhouse gases from power stations directly.
Each kilowatt saved is a step to clean air. By burning fewer fossil fuels, we limit dangerous toxins causing respiratory disorders and overall ecological harm. Efficient homes use less energy in the long run. This new trend not only eases pressure on natural resources but also fosters sustainable practices in communities.
With this, nationwide carbon reduction goals are accumulated as more efficient technologies are embraced through smart thermostats and LED lighting in each household. As humans change, so does the ability to contribute to a healthy planet for successive generations. All these transitions will raise awareness for making better sustainable choices and influence others who will do the same. Every action contributes value and resiliency towards climate-related challenges we face today.
End Result
The immediate future of household energy efficiency of the UK is promising, considering the rapidness with which technology is developing and changing. For example, smart devices in homes are becoming more sophisticated and enable homeowners to monitor and, consequently, minimise their consumption without much exertion.
Renewable sources of energy are becoming popular. With solar panels accompanied by battery storage, a reliance on traditional power grids is significantly reduced. Such change not only disempowers families but also contributes toward a national effort toward sustainability.
The future for government initiatives and incentives is expansive, making eco-friendly upgrades viable for households of most income levels. Retrofitting older housing units with modern insulation techniques and efficient heating systems is likely to be the core of such programs.
There is also an increase in public awareness around climate impact that influences the choice of the consumer towards greener options. As lifestyle changes become the new norm, it’s clear that a shared commitment to energy efficiency will define the residential landscape of the years to come. Healthy living environments and effective cuts in emissions will all be secured through embracing this change.
