ARGYLL and Bute has the second-highest average household electricity consumption of any local authority in Great Britain.
Latest UK Government statistics show domestic electricity consumption in Argyll and Bute averaged 5,569 kWh per meter in 2024, second only to London.
The figure is around 72 per cent higher than the UK average and has been used in new research estimating that households in the area could now face an **£**80 increase in annual electricity costs following July’s change to the energy price cap.
However, the reasons behind Argyll and Bute’s high electricity use go much deeper than household consumption habits.
Argyll and Bute Council’s own housing strategy states that half of households in the area are not connected to the mains gas network, compared with 17 per cent across Scotland.
Many properties instead rely on electricity, oil, LPG and other fuels for heating and hot water.
The area also has an ageing housing stock, with 31 per cent of homes built before 1945, while only 92 per cent have full central heating.
The findings come as the energy price cap increased on July 1, with the typical annual dual-fuel bill rising by around **£**221 to **£**1,862.
Scottish Government modelling published ahead of the increase warned that the change would have significant consequences for fuel poverty levels across the country.
Argyll and Bute Council adopted a long-term strategy in 2024 aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings and decarbonising heating.
Among its priorities is improving electricity grid infrastructure in urban and rural communities to ensure rural areas are not marginalised during the transition to low-carbon heating.
The Council also received more than **£**2.2 million in 2025/26 through the Area Based Schemes programme to fund energy-efficiency improvements to homes across Argyll and Bute.
The figures raise questions about whether rural and island households, which already consume more electricity and often have fewer choices over how they heat their homes, are being disproportionately affected by increases in electricity prices.
An Argyll and Bute spokesperson said: “Energy costs are a national issue and while there is a limit to what we can do as a council, we are committed to supporting residents in every way we can.
“We promote and support access to home energy efficiency programmes, grants and advice aimed at reducing energy consumption and household energy costs across Argyll and Bute. Support is enhanced for homeowners on islands.
“We provide welfare rights and income-maximisation support, administer assistance through initiatives such as the Flexible Food and Fuel Fund, Connected for Good, Thriving Families and targeted island cost-of-living support, and work closely with partners including ALIenergy to help residents access affordable warmth advice and assistance.”
