Our use of cookies Average UK household electricity use per day
Each quarter, a new energy price cap makes headlines about what it means for the “average” household. While the cap limits unit rates, your actual bill depends on the amount of electricity you use.
In this guide, we explain the average household electricity usage, how it varies by home size, and what drives higher consumption.
Here is what we cover:
- Average household electricity usage by home size
- Which appliances use the most electricity?
- What affects a household’s average electricity usage
- How to reduce daily electricity usage
What is the average daily electricity usage in the UK?
UK homes use around 7 to 9 kWh of electricity per day on average, depending on property size, occupancy, and energy efficiency.
The table below shows the average household electricity usage used by three different government departments:
| Government Department | Average annual electricity usage | Average daily electricity usage | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofgem | 2,700 kWh | 7.4 kWh | Ofgem: Average Gas and electricity use explained |
| BEIS | 3,100 kWh | 8.5 kWh | BEIS: Household energy consumption & affordability report |
| Department for Energy Security & Net Zero | 3,400 kWh | 9.3 kWh | Annual domestic energy bills publications |
These figures vary because each department uses slightly different data sources and sampling methods to estimate household consumption.
Over time, the averages have been gradually falling as UK homes and appliances become more energy efficient.
Average household electricity usage by size
Electricity consumption naturally increases with home size and the number of people living in it. Larger homes use more electricity due to extra lighting, more appliances, and typically higher overall demand from having more people.
The table below combines daily, monthly, and annual figures to show how average electricity usage varies by property type.
| Energy use | House size | Average daily usage | Average monthly usage | Average annual usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | Flat or 1-bedroom home; 1–2 people | 4.9 kWh | 150 kWh | 1,800 kWh |
| Medium | 2–3 bedroom home; 2–3 people | 7.4 kWh | 225 kWh | 2,700 kWh |
| High | 4+ bedroom home; 4–5 people | 11.3 kWh | 342 kWh | 4,100 kWh |
Source: Ofgem – Average gas and electricity usage.
Which appliances use the most electricity?
In a typical UK home, the biggest electricity users are kitchen and laundry appliances, followed by entertainment and lighting.
The breakdown below shows where most electricity goes, assuming heating systems are powered by a gas boiler rather than electricity.
- Fridge and freezer (25–30%): These run 24 hours a day to keep food cold and are among the largest contributors to household electricity bills.
- Washing machine and dishwasher (20–25%): Both use significant amounts of energy to heat water during cycles.
- Tumble dryer (10–15%): One of the most power-hungry appliances, especially in colder months when outdoor drying isn’t possible.Oven and microwave (10–15%): Cooking appliances draw high power in short bursts, particularly when preheating or roasting.
- TVs, laptops and other electronics (10–15%): Streaming, gaming and constant device charging all add up.
- Kettle (6–8%): High wattage and frequent use make it one of the top small appliances for electricity demand.
What affects a household’s average electricity usage
Electricity consumption varies widely between households. Larger homes generally use more electricity because they have more lighting, more appliances, and more people, but several other factors can have just as much impact.
Here are the key things that affect a home’s average daily electricity usage:
Type of heating system
Heating is one of the biggest influences on household energy use. Most UK homes still rely on gas boilers, meaning heating energy is recorded as gas consumption rather than electricity.
Homes using electric heating or a heat pump typically consume more electricity. Although modern air-source and ground-source heat pumps are highly efficient, they still draw substantial amounts of electrical power.
Lifestyle and habits
Everyday routines have a major effect on electricity consumption. How long lights and screens are left on, how often appliances are used, and whether devices are switched off at the wall all make a measurable difference.
Running full loads, using eco settings, and avoiding standby mode can all help reduce daily electricity usage without affecting comfort.
Age and efficiency of appliances
Older appliances tend to use much more electricity than modern versions. Fridges, washing machines, and dishwashers built over ten years ago often lack energy-saving modes or sensors.
Upgrading to A-rated or energy-labelled appliances under current UK and EU efficiency standards can significantly reduce consumption while maintaining the same performance.
Home insulation
Good insulation doesn’t just reduce heating costs; it can also lower electricity usage. In poorly insulated homes, electric heaters, heat pumps, fans, and dehumidifiers must work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures and air quality.
Improving loft, wall, and window insulation helps rooms stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing the need for additional electrical heating or cooling appliances. Even small improvements, like sealing drafts or adding thermal curtains, can make a measurable difference to electricity consumption.
Smart devices and technology
Smart home products can slightly increase electricity use because many operate continuously. Devices like smart light bulbs, smart plugs, Ring doorbells, Wi-Fi cameras, and voice assistants draw small amounts of power to stay connected, even when not in active use.
Individually, the impact is minor, but together they can add several extra kilowatt hours each month, particularly in fully connected homes. Background standby power, data transmission, and automatic software updates all contribute to this ongoing demand.
How to reduce daily electricity usage
Reducing household electricity use doesn’t have to be complicated. Small changes in how you light, cook, clean, and power your home can add up to big savings over time.
Here are some practical ways to lower your daily electricity consumption.
Switch to LED bulbs
Replacing old incandescent or halogen bulbs with LED lighting can cut lighting electricity use by up to 80%. LEDs last longer, waste less energy as heat, and come in a variety of colour temperatures to create the right atmosphere for each room.
Use eco mode on appliances
Modern washing machines and dishwashers feature an eco mode that runs for longer but at lower temperatures, using significantly less electricity overall. It’s one of the easiest changes to make, just press the button.
Dry clothes naturally
Tumble dryers are among the most energy-hungry appliances in the average UK home.. Where possible, dry clothes on a rack indoors or on a washing line outdoors. It reduces electricity use and helps clothes last longer by avoiding excessive heat.
Monitor with a smart meter
If you haven’t already, ask your energy supplier for a free smart energy meter. The in-home display shows real-time usage, helping you spot where electricity is being wasted. Tracking your energy habits is a great first step to cutting them down.
Keep fridges and freezers efficient
Fridges and freezers run 24 hours a day, so even small improvements help. Avoid overpacking shelves, don’t block vents, and defrost regularly to keep air flowing freely. Clean the coils behind the fridge a few times a year to reduce strain on the motor and lower electricity use.
Reduce standby electricity use
Many household devices continue drawing power even when they appear “off.” TVs, soundbars, consoles, Wi-Fi routers, coffee machines, and smart speakers all use small amounts of electricity in standby mode. Across a year, this “phantom load” can account for up to 10% of total household consumption.
Unplug devices you’re not using or plug them into smart plugs that automatically cut power when appliances go idle. Turning off standby power overnight can save dozens of kilowatt hours each month.
Cook more efficiently
Cooking can be another hidden source of high electricity use. Use air fryers, microwaves, or induction hobs instead of electric ovens where possible; they’re faster and far more efficient for smaller meals.
When using an oven, cook multiple dishes together, keep the door closed during use, and switch it off a few minutes early to make use of residual heat. Small changes like these can noticeably lower daily consumption.
Why understanding electricity usage matters
Electricity remains one of the biggest household costs in the UK. According to Ofgem’s 2025 figures, a typical household using around 2,700 kWh of electricity a year pays roughly £1,750 annually, based on the current price cap.
With wholesale energy prices still higher than before the energy crisis, every kilowatt hour (kWh) used has a noticeable impact on your bill.
Because electricity bills are charged per kWh, the most effective way to cut costs is to use less. Even small reductions in daily consumption can make a measurable difference over a year.
Use our electricity bill calculator to see how your usage affects costs.
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