Why the UK using less electricity is weirdly bad news for the climate

We need to use more electricity, not less

We need to use more electricity, not less

Loop Images/Getty

Electricity demand in the UK is falling – but surprisingly, that means the country is not doing what it must to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

An analysis of government and industry data by Simon Evans of climate website Carbon Brief has revealed that electricity generation in the UK peaked in 2005 and has fallen 16 per cent since then, to the lowest level for 25 years. The fall in electricity demand is slightly smaller, as UK now imports a bit more electricity.

This is part of …