Households increase their use of natural gas in 2020

Data used by the statistics body covers all customers connected to the natural gas network, including power plants, non-residential, and residential customers. File photo

There was a marked increase in domestic use of natural gas in 2020, while power plants account for well over half of gas used, in a further indication of the challenge ahead in removing our reliance on fossil fuels.

Data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) showed that residential gas consumption increased by more than 6% in 2020, when the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic kicked in in earnest during the autumn and winter months with restrictions on movement.