Glasgow is expected to see the fifth highest demand for domestic electricity, alongside Manchester and Leeds, says the Centre for Economics and Business Research.

Domestic electricity use will see the biggest increase in demand, forecast to rise by 29 per cent in Glasgow in the next 20 years. 

Demand for domestic gas is expected to increase by 15 per cent.  

The report highlighted some of the efforts cities are already making to try and meet demand, by using smarter technology innovations. 

Glasgow city council leader Frank McAveety said: “Glasgow has undergone a significant transformation in the past three years since the launch of the Future City – Glasgow project. From deployment of intelligent street lights to innovative sensors, data and technology have helped make our city a better place to live, work and play. 

“We recognised early on that cutting emissions, reducing overheads and addressing fuel poverty, were crucial to ensuring that our vision of becoming a smarter and more sustainable city could be realised. Smart meters have played an important role, making energy data visible and accessible to allow innovative new products and services to become available.”

Smart meters will be installed in every home in Britain by 2020. They will connect with and send data to energy suppliers and will help cities manage energy demand. 

Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Smart Energy GB said: “This report looks at the challenges and opportunities ahead for our cities as energy demands change. It provides, for the first time, a detailed picture of future energy needs.

“Smart meters are an essential step to a smarter future. Many cities, such as Glasgow, have already started to use smart technology to create cleaner, greener environments. With smart meters installed across the country there are great opportunities for further innovation.”