How much electricity do you use?

Multiply the number of occupants by 1,423
If you can't immediately lay your hands on your bill, you can use the following rule of thumb to estimate your electricity consumption. The average Dane uses 1,423 kWh of electricity per year (excluding electric heating). This results in an electricity bill of around 380 Euros.

Thereafter you simply need to multiply 1,423 by the number of occupants in the household. For example, average consumption by a family of 4 would be 5,692 kWh per year – or about 1,520 Euros.

Which electric appliances have you got?
To get an even better idea of your consumption, have a think about which electrical appliances you have in your home. For example, if you have an American style fridge, several game consoles and a tumble dryer which are on every day, then your consumption will probably exceed the average.

Conversely, if you have A-rated energy saving bulbs throughout the house, dry your clothes outside and use AutoPowerOff plug banks, then your consumption will likely be lower than average.

Check the bill
The easiest way to gauge your consumption is, naturally, to check your annual bill from your electricity company.

Or maybe you can remember the amount that you usually spend in Danish kroner on electricity per year. If so, just divide the figure by 2 to see how many kWh you use. If you pay 4,000 kr. per year, then you use about 2,000 kWh. Of course, a more accurate calculation depends on the actual price you pay for electricity.

Have your meter read remotely
With remote metering you can follow your consumption on a daily basis, thereby avoiding any surprises when your bill arrives. Many electricity companies offer remote reading, or perhaps you have this already? Ask your electricity company if in doubt.

1,000 kWh per person per year – sensible electricity consumption
The Trust has established a benchmark for a sensible level of consumption per person per year. You don't need to go without lights, TV, computer or large domestic appliances to meet the 1,000 kWh target. You just need to be aware of your electricity consumption, and look for the most energy-efficient appliances when buying new equipment.

Not everyone can meet the 1,000 kWh target
If you live on your own, it may be more realistic to aim for 1,500 kWh per year. Consumption by the fridge and TV, for example, is the same irrespective of the number of occupants in the household.

If you have electric heating, it's unlikely that you can achieve the target of 1,000 kWh per person per year. In this situation, it is the type and size of the house which determine how far you can reduce your consumption.