Energy use increases despite economic downturn

ENERGY use has increased despite Ireland’s economic slowdown, a report from Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) reveals.

Rising energy use in buildings pushed up overall energy demand by 1.5% last year despite a 3% contraction in the economy over the same period.

The Energy in Ireland 1990-2008 report shows that a return to normal weather conditions last year after a mild year in 2007 was blamed for the 8.8% increase in residential energy use and a 7% increase in the commercial and public services sector.