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Cornwall Energy Situation

The following tables indicate the present best estimate of energy supplies and demand for Cornwall.

Table 1: Energy Supply in Cornwall (GWh pa)
Supply by Fuel 1986 1999 2005
Gas 2,110 3,115 3,040
Coal 1,760 903 243
Electricity 2,270 2,596 3,202
Wood 220 220 250
Oil and LPG 5,110 5,927 7,051
RE Supply  - 170 208
Total 11,470 12,876 13,994

Analysis of Table 1 shows a 22% increase in energy use between 1986 and 2005.  Population has increased by 16% during this same time period, from 448,600 in 1986 to 519,400 in 2005.

Individual energy use (per capita) has increased by 5% since 1986, showing that our everyday lifestyles are consuming more energy then 20 years ago.

Table 2: Cost of Energy £M
Fuel Type 1986 1999 2005
Gas - 49 61
Coal - 14 2
Electricity - 159 213
Wood - 1 5
Oil and LPG - 345 823
RE Supply - 12 20
Total 260 579 1,124

A full breakdown of the costs of energy in 1986 is currently unavailable.  However examination of the data in Table 2 shows an increase in cost of the annual energy bill for Cornwall of a massive 330% since 1986.  The majority of this cost coming from the Transport sector.

Table 3: Energy demand by sector (GWh pa)
Sector 1986 1999 2005
Domestic 3,700 4,149 4,791
Industry and Commerce 4,400 4,635 4,240
Transport 2,830 4,093 4,963
Total 10,930 12,876 13,994

Table 3 shows the energy use per sector, although it is only in 2005 where transport has the highest energy demand, it is clear in Table 4 that transport makes up a large proportion of the cost for all years.

Table 4: Transport costs as a percentage of total bill.
Year Transport Cost £m % of annual bill
1986 100 38
1999 337 58
2005 792 72

The need to tackle the rapidly increasing price of transport is clear.  Not only are rising transport costs affecting our everyday lives (prices at the pump) but also on a wider scale the cost of transporting our foods and other goods.