Blog Post
Daily Domestic energy usage spikes by 30% at midday, but overall energy usage is down
Matt Olney • Apr 23, 2020
According to data released by several energy suppliers the amount of energy being used during the middle of the day jumps by 30%. Overall energy consumption, however, has fallen by nearly 20%.
Changing routines
With much of the population working from home or furloughed and with most businesses and schools closed people have altered their regular routines.
Increased computer and television use have led to a rise in consumption for many households, but the highest peak has been recorded at lunchtimes when cooking is added to the mix.
The data shows that with most people no longer having to commute to their place of work or dropping their children off at school, people are starting their days later.
“Morning routines are less structured and therefore the peak has reduced by up to 20%, as many people are working from home or not working at all. We are seeing big changes in the way people consume energy during the lockdown period,” said a spokesperson from Ovo Energy.
Other energy suppliers are witnessing a delay in energy demand as a result.
“Households are consuming 21% less electricity than usual at 07:30, as fewer people commute to work, and are taking back the time to sleep later instead,” said a spokesperson from Bulb Energy after analysing the data of over 2,000 smart meters.
Despite this recorded spike in domestic energy use, overall energy usage has fallen because of the closure of most businesses, manufacturers, and heavy industry.
No surge in domestic demand
Domestic use meanwhile has only increased slightly and not seen a dramatic surge as some had predicted. The main cause for this, according to the data, is that weekend energy use has remained much the same as it was before the coronavirus induced lockdown.
According to the National Grid, energy demand in the early morning and mid-afternoon has tumbled by nearly 20%.
An opportunity for Energy Suppliers?
For energy suppliers that can offer the cheapest tariffs, this lockdown period could be a golden opportunity to increase their customer base.
With so many people forced to stay at home and using computers to work and other power-hungry equipment for entertainment, they will naturally be concerned over rising energy bills and on the search for the best deals.
Further Reading
Why is now a good time for smaller Energy Suppliers to get new customers?
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