UK electricity use falls –as rest of EU rises

Slowing economy, mild weather and energy-efficient appliances among possible reasons for decline

The UK was the only country in the EU to reduce its electricity consumption last year, with power use growing or stable across the rest of the bloc's 28 member states.

Britain's appetite for power has been waning for more than a decade as industrial activity declined and businesses and households opted for more energy efficient lighting and appliances.