The amount of gas used for electricity generation was at its lowest in 16 years for the first quarter of the year, at just 23%.

Quarterly energy statistics from DECC show coal was 37% and nuclear 18%.

Meanwhile the share of renewables was boosted over the same period, from 12.4% in 2013 to 19.4% in 2014.

Green power totted up to a record 18.1 terra watt hours (TWh) with wind generation in particular up two thirds (58%).

This was because more wind plants went up as well as large increases in wind speeds and rainfall.

Coal mine closures and nuclear power plant outages (some for maintenance) meant overall energy production was 0.2% lower than in the first quarter of 2013.

This was made up for by the “strong” growth in wind, more natural flow hydro and an increase in oil production, according to DECC.