10 countries that use the most electricity per person in 2025

A country’s total electricity demand tells only part of the story. Per capita electricity consumption provides a closer look at how much power people and businesses use on average, offering insight into living standards, industrial activity and access to energy.

A wide gap remains between electricity consumption levels in advanced and emerging economies, highlighting broader disparities in economic development and living standards. Data shows that Canadians consume more than 11 times as much electricity per person as Indians, while Americans use nearly 10 times more.

The disparity reflects differences in income, industrial activity, housing conditions and access to energy-intensive technologies. Analysts say electricity demand in emerging economies is likely to rise significantly as urbanisation and industrialisation accelerate.

The trend is expected to influence future investment, infrastructure expansion and energy policy decisions. Increasingly, electricity consumption is viewed as a key indicator of economic opportunity, industrial capacity and quality of life.

According to Ember’s Global Electricity Review 2026, Canada and the United States lead major economies in electricity consumption per person, while large emerging economies such as India and Brazil remain below the global average.

Here are the countries with the highest electricity use per capita among the world’s major economies in 2025.

1. Canada – 16.1 MWh per person

Canada records the highest electricity consumption per capita among the countries analysed.

Cold winters increase heating demand, while mining, oil production and other energy-intensive industries add significantly to overall consumption.

2. United States – 13.1 MWh per person

Americans consume an average of 13.1 megawatt-hours of electricity annually.

Large homes, extensive use of appliances, widespread air conditioning and growing digital infrastructure contribute to the country’s high electricity use.

3. South Korea – 12.1 MWh per person

South Korea’s manufacturing-based economy drives substantial electricity demand.

Its semiconductor, electronics and industrial sectors consume large amounts of power throughout the year.

4. Japan – 8.4 MWh per person

Japan combines high household electricity use with strong industrial demand.

Despite slower population growth, electricity consumption per person remains among the highest globally.

5. Russia – 8.2 MWh per person

Russia’s electricity consumption reflects both residential demand and industrial activity.

The country’s energy, mining and manufacturing sectors contribute to high per capita usage levels.

6. China – 7.5 MWh per person

China ranks sixth on the list despite being the world’s largest electricity consumer overall.

Rising incomes, urbanisation and industrial expansion have steadily increased electricity use across the country.

7. France – 7.2 MWh per person

France’s electricity consumption is supported by households, businesses and transport systems.

Its extensive use of electricity across different sectors contributes to relatively high per capita demand.

8. Germany – 6.2 MWh per person

Germany remains above the global average despite years of efforts to improve energy efficiency.

Its industrial base continues to require significant electricity supplies.

9. Brazil – 3.6 MWh per person

Brazil falls slightly below the global average of 3.9 MWh per person.

While total demand is substantial, average consumption remains lower than in most developed economies.

10. India – 1.4 MWh per person

India records the lowest per capita electricity consumption among the countries listed.

Despite ranking third globally in total electricity demand, average electricity use remains far below the world average, highlighting the scale of future growth potential.