SYSC report finds that reported household energy use increases with income in South Yorkshire.
We all use energy in our homes. From powering TVs, washing machines and charging our devices to cooking food, showering and keeping warm, domestic energy use represents 34% of total energy use in South Yorkshire.
We each have a relationship with energy and how we use it. That relationship is different for us all, no two households will use energy in the same way. The ways in which we consume energy at home are driven by a wide range of factors such as thermal comfort preferences, our habits and leisure activities at home, health conditions, how long we spend at home, the size of our households and the physical properties of our homes.
We know that we need to switch to clean energy sources - but we also need to use less energy overall. A recent study by the South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre (SYSC) helps to identify which groups could reduce their consumption whilst still having access to a sufficient amount of energy for a comfortable life
This research highlights the link between high income and high energy consumption. This suggests that some individuals need to reduce their energy use more than others to facilitate a fair transition to net-zero.
The survey, which involved over 620 respondents, provides valuable insights into the attitudes, behaviours, and challenges faced by South Yorkshire households in relation to energy use.
Key findings from the study include:
- Income is a strong driver of energy use: Higher income households tend to use more energy.
- Rising energy costs are a major concern: Respondents identified the rising cost of energy as one of their top concerns for the next 10 years.
- High awareness of energy consumption: 76% of respondents report that they often think about ways to save energy at home.
- Adoption of energy-saving measures: Most households have implemented energy-saving measures, such as loft insulation, double glazing, and energy-saving light bulbs. However, interest in and take up of low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps and the installation of solar panels is low.
- Challenges in paying energy bills: A quarter of respondents reported difficulty in paying their utility bills, highlighting the financial strain faced by many households.
- Interest in heat networks: While there is limited knowledge of district heat networks prior to the survey, nearly half of respondents (49.2%) would consider joining a network if it was available in their area.
Figure 1: In the last 12 months how much is your household’s energy bill?
This survey and its results will help inform other ongoing research the SYSC is doing. We have shared data and information with researchers working on the roll out of heat networks in Sheffield, mapping public and active travel infrastructure with areas of deprivation in Sheffield, models to inform retrofit planning across the region and what consumption inequality means for a just transition.
Working alongside our partners, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the region's four local authorities, this report provides useful insights for policymakers in the region about residential energy consumption and the transition to a more sustainable future.
"This study underscores the strong link between income and energy consumption in South Yorkshire," said Jayne Carrick, author of the report. "By understanding these dynamics, we can develop targeted strategies to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the region."
This survey and report have given a snapshot of what people think when it comes to their energy consumption. We plan to continue this work further with a series of interviews to explore some of the data in more detail, as well as providing richer policy insights to our partners.
