However, that is against a low baseline: 2010 wind speeds were well below the average and hydro output was poor. 2011 has been a better year for both technologies with higher rainfall leading to an increase in hydro generation of 58 per cent. Offshore wind generation rose by 67.9 per cent and onshore wind by 45.9 per cent due to higher wind speeds and more installed turbines.
Gas generation fell by 16.9 per cent linked to higher availability of nuclear plant compared with 2010. Gas made up 40 per cent of generation in 2010. Generation from coal was up slightly to almost 30 per cent of the mix. Nuclear made up around 19 per cent of the total mix.
Overall, total electricity generated in 2011 was 4.2 per cent lower than 2010. Households used 5 per cent less than in 2010 while industrial use shrank 3.8 per cent.
Overall demand for gas fell 17 per cent to its lowest level for 16 years. The residential sector used almost a quarter (22.7 per cent) less gas than in 2010.
Despite that, average standard gas bills rose £61, or 6.9 per cent adjusted for inflation, according to Decc’s figures. Calculated on the same basis, average electricity bills rose 6.0 per cent, or £36.
Including VAT, the price of domestic electricity was 12.3 per cent higher in real terms in Q4 2011 versus Q4 2010, and 20.3 higher for gas on the same basis, according to Decc.