Energy and water consumption data for the December and January period shows average use was significantly lower than for the previous two corresponding periods.

Ausgrid data shows energy use on the network dropped from 910 gigawatt hours in the 2010-11 December-January period to 860 gigawatt hours for the 2011-12 December-January period.

The 5.4per cent drop in consumption saved enough electricity to power 7000 average homes for a year.

Ausgrid energy efficiency expert Paul Myors said the figure was the result of mild weather combined with the uptake of energy efficiency programs.

‘‘Greater use of solar and gas hot water systems, more energy efficient lighting and higher energy efficiency standards for appliances like fridges are making a difference,’’ he said.

It was a similar story for water consumption, which has been dropping steadily over the past five years.

Hunter Water figures show residential and commercial December-January consumption fell from 13,921 megalitres in 2009-10 to 12,438 megalitres in 2010-11 to 11,439.5 megalitres in 2011-12.

The figures represent a drop of 17.8per cent over three years.

A Hunter Water spokeswoman said Hunter homes were consuming an average of 190 megalitres a day.

Water efficiency programs and the steadily increasing cost of water have also played a significant part in driving down water consumption.

Savings from the showerhead exchange days and toilet replacement program have saved about 74 megalitres of water, the equivalent of 30 Olympic size swimming pools.