What is electricity and gas consumption?

Electricity and gas consumption is the amount of energy a dwelling or building uses each year for heating, hot water, cooking, cooling, lighting and appliances — measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) for electricity and cubic metres (m³) for natural gas. It is a key factor for the energy label, energy bills and climate impact.

Average consumption in Europe

For a typical 2–3 person household, the rough figures are:

Dwelling type	Electricity (kWh/year)	Gas (m³/year)
Apartment	1,800–2,500	700–900
Terraced house	2,500–3,300	1,000–1,400
Semi-detached	2,800–3,500	1,200–1,600
Detached house	3,500–4,500	1,800–2,400

An average household consumes roughly 2,500 kWh of electricity and 1,200 m³ of gas per year.

What drives consumption?

Consumption depends on:

• Insulation — wall, roof, floor, glazing (R- and U-values)
• Heating system — gas boiler, hybrid, heat pump
• Ventilation — natural, mechanical, balanced with heat recovery
• Number of occupants — more people, more hot water and appliances
• User behaviour — thermostat, shower time, choice of appliances
• Construction year — older houses lose far more heat
• Appliances — refrigerator, freezer, old dryer
• PV installation — solar reduces net electricity import

How to lower consumption

1. Insulate — roof and floor first, then walls and glass (triple glazing)
2. Hybrid or all-electric — a heat pump cuts gas dramatically
3. PV panels — lower net electricity import
4. LED lighting — saves hundreds of kWh per year
5. Heat-pump or solar water heater
6. Smart thermostat — temperature control by room and time
7. Energy-efficient appliances — A-label, manage standby

Key points

• m³ of gas × ~9.77 = kWh equivalent
• Energy labels are calculated, not derived from meter readings
• A net-zero-energy home consumes 0 kWh net per year

Related terms

• Energy label
• Energy performance coefficient
• Energy-efficient home
• Insulation
• Energy saving

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