Electricity in Great Britain
| Data | |
|---|---|
| Electricity coverage | 100% (91.8% grid 2017) |
| Continuity of supply | 99.9999% |
| Installed capacity | 74.8 GW (2023) |
| Production | 292.7 TWh (2023) |
| Share of fossil energy | 36.65% (2023) |
| Share of renewable energy | 46.39% (2023) |
| GHG emissions from electricity generation (2020) | 181 t CO2 per GWh |
| Average electricity use (2023) | 3,239 kWh/person |
| Transmission & Distribution losses (2017) | 7.5% |
| Institutions | |
| Responsibility for regulation | Office of Gas and Electricity Markets |
| Responsibility for policy-setting | Parliament of the United Kingdom |
| Electricity sector law | Electricity Act 1989 |
The National Grid covers most of mainland Great Britain and several of the surrounding islands, and there are interconnectors to Northern Ireland and to other European countries. Power is supplied to consumers at 230 volts AC with a frequency of 50 Hz. As of 2024, wind generates 30% of the yearly electrical energy on the grid, whereas fossil gas generated just over 25% and over two-thirds was low-carbon power. Coal power ceased in 2024. Nuclear is currently the second biggest low carbon source, some of which is imported from France. The government is aiming for greenhouse gas emissions from electricity in Britain to be net zero by 2035.
The use of electricity declined in the 2010s and early 2020s, attributed largely to a decline in industrial activity and a switch to more energy efficient lighting and appliances. However demand is projected to increase considerably due to electrification, such as heat pumps and electric vehicles.
UK energy policy includes capping some residential energy price rates, and wholesale prices for some new low-carbon power can be stabilized by the government.
Nationalisation plans are currently underway following the proposed introduction of Great British Energy subsequent to the 2024 King's Speech, which also oversaw increased dedication towards net-zero targets by 2050. This is further emphasised via GB Energy through heavy investment in renewable energy sources, such as tidal power and offshore windfarms.