Revealed: We use more energy than coldest countries

IRISH householders use more gas, electricity and solid fuel to heat and light their homes than consumers in Europe’s coldest and darkest countries, figures have revealed.

Homes in Ireland use the equivalent of two tonnes of oil a year — or about 2,000 litres — for heating and lighting, compared with 1.87 tonnes in Sweden, where the temperature can drop below freezing on 184 days of the year.

Yesterday, energy experts said Ireland could face significant rises in household energy bills unless homeowners trimmed back their usage by installing insulation, double-glazing and new low-energy devices.