Behind this discrepancy, we can find a series of daily habits; small actions and automatic decisions that directly influence the average electricity consumption of a household.

The most recent figures from the National Statistics Institute (INE) help us better understand where the expenditure comes from and how energy is distributed within a home. From there, we can start making decisions that help us easily save energy at home.

How do Spanish households consume energy? Data and figures

To understand household energy consumption in Spain, we will use the physical energy flow data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) as a reference. In 2023, household energy consumption fell by 3.1% in per capita terms. That is, energy usage stood at 26.8 Terajoules (TJ) per 1,000 inhabitants; or equivalently, a total of 1.295 million TJ that year.

It is interesting to note that energy intensity as a whole decreased by 5.7% in the last year. This means that, although we continue to consume, we are doing so more efficiently.

Breakdown of consumption by energy type

Not all energy sources carry the same weight in Spanish household consumption according to the INE. The industry has been making progress to give increasingly more weight to clean energy.

Electricity (general use and typical patterns)

Electricity is the primary energy source in our homes and our daily lives. It represents approximately 35.1% of residential energy consumption in Spain.

If we cross-reference data from Eurostat's Household Budget Survey and IDAE data, we find that electricity consumption per household ranges between 2,732 kWh and 3,795 kWh per year.

Within domestic electricity expenditure, household appliances account for 55.2% of total electricity consumption, with fridge-freezers demanding the most energy. Meanwhile, lighting, although it has improved in recent years thanks to LEDs, still accounts for 11.7% of the bill. It is worth noting that standby – that is, devices turned off but left plugged in – accounts for 6.6% of the expense.

Natural gas and other fuels (heating, hot water)

Natural gas is the second most important energy source, adding up to 24.9% of total household consumption. It is used intensively for two purposes:

• Heating: where natural gas is found in 32% of Spanish households.
• Domestic Hot Water (DHW): in this case, natural gas is present in 40.3% of homes.

Other energy sources, such as petroleum derivatives (heating oil, LPG), still account for 22.1% of residential expenditure, although their use is declining in the face of the rise of renewable energies, which already make up 17.7% of the total.

Comparison with historical data (trends)

In recent years, household energy consumption in Spain has shown a trend towards moderation. In 2021, post-pandemic, there was a 7.9% increase in per capita consumption due to the return to activity. However, the various energy crises on an international scale and escalating prices are pushing us to change our habits.

The comparison speaks clearly: today we are more efficient. Average energy expenditure per household, which rose to €1,334 in 2022, dropped in 2023 and 2024 thanks to price moderation and the greater rollout of renewables, which in the first half of 2024 already covered more than 40% of national electricity generation.

Factors that influence a home's energy consumption

Just as no two houses are the same, not all households spend the same, and this depends on many factors, particularly structural ones:

• Type of property: a detached house consumes on average 1.334 toe (tonnes of oil equivalent) per year, while a flat in an apartment block uses almost half that: 0.649 toe. This is because flats have fewer external-facing surfaces and benefit from the thermal inertia of their neighbours.
• Climate zone: Living in a continental climate zone (such as Madrid) entails an average consumption of 1.087 toe, compared to 0.719 toe in the Mediterranean zone.
• Equipment: 99.6% of households have a fridge and 99.9% have a television (with an average of 2.2 televisions per home). The number of connected appliances determines our base consumption.

Regional and EU comparisons

On a continental level, households represent 26.2% of final energy consumption in the European Union. Spain has made a major leap in price competitiveness. In 2018, electricity costs for Spanish households were 15% above the EU average; whereas by 2024, Spaniards are paying 16% below the European average for electricity and 27% below for natural gas.

Regionally, there are marked differences in Spanish household consumption according to the INE. Regions like Castile and León show higher energy expenditure indices due to their harsher winters, while the Canary Islands and the Valencian Community show much more contained consumption due to their mild climates.

How much energy do you really consume at home?

To know how we can save, we first need to identify where the consumption is going. The data tells us that heating accounts for the largest energy expense, at 47% of the total. This is followed by:

• Household appliances: 19.4%
• Domestic Hot Water (DHW): 18.9%
• Cooking: 7.4%
• Lighting: 4.1%
• Standby: 2.3% (we are paying for appliances we aren't using).

If we focus purely on electrical energy, the fridge is responsible for 30.6% of your electricity bill, followed by the television (12.2%) and the washing machine (11.8%).

How to save energy at home: practical tips that actually work

You can reduce your energy consumption at home without giving up comfort. Here are a few key tips.

Savings on lighting and appliances

• Switch to LED: replacing incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, which save over 80% in energy and last ten times longer.
• Maximum load: run the washing machine and dishwasher with full loads and on 'Eco' programmes.
• Mind the fridge: do not put hot food in the fridge, and keep the thermostat at 5ºC for cooling and -18ºC for freezing.

Improving thermal insulation

Good insulation can drastically reduce energy demand.

• Windows: install double glazing or frames with a thermal break to prevent massive heat loss.
• Draught-proofing: sealing gaps in doors and windows is a minimal investment but has an immediate effect.

Efficient use of heating and cooling

• Ideal temperature: keeping the house at 21ºC in winter and 26ºC in summer is enough for comfort.
• The one-degree rule: every degree you raise or lower from these benchmarks generates a 7% saving (or extra expense) in climate control.
• Smart ventilation: in winter, opening the windows for a few minutes is enough. In summer, only do so first thing in the morning or at night.

Hot water and rational use of resources

• Shower vs. bath: a shower consumes four times less water and energy than a bath.
• Regulators: installing low-flow aerators can cut usage in half.
• Water temperature: between 30ºC and 35ºC is sufficient for personal hygiene.

Smart habits and smart technologies

• Programmable thermostats: these can save between 8% and 13% of energy by adjusting the temperature to your schedule.
• Goodbye standby mode: plug televisions and computers into extension leads with switches to eliminate vampire draw.
• Self-consumption: if you are able, install solar panels to reduce your reliance on the grid and your bill.
• Look for the tariff that suits you: sometimes the best habits aren't enough if your electricity tariff offers you a price per kWh far above the market rate. Browse our tariffs and find the one that best suits your needs. Finding a more efficient tariff can mean direct savings that add up alongside all the tricks you can apply at home.

Energy poverty indicators and responsible consumption

The National Strategy against Fuel Poverty (ENPE), promoted by the Spanish Government, conducts tracking to protect the most vulnerable households. The indicators reveal a complex situation. In 2024, 17.5% of the population reported being unable to keep their home adequately warm in winter.

To alleviate the situation, there are mechanisms such as the Electricity Social Bonus, which offers discounts on electricity bills for vulnerable consumers. Furthermore, measures have been implemented such as the ban on cutting off basic supplies for these groups.

Responsible consumption is not just a matter of individual savings; it is a collective necessity to guarantee the sustainability of the system and protect those who struggle the most to meet energy costs. Every kWh we save at home contributes to a more stable network for everyone.