According to preliminary estimates by Eurogas, total gas consumption in EU-28 decreased for the third time in 2013, dipping by 1.4% after a 10% fall in 2011 and a 2% drop in 2012. Gas consumption in 2013 reached 462 bcm, compared to 468.3 bcm in 2012 (Eurogas figures), due to a strong decrease in gas demand from the power sector: throughout 2013 and since the beginning of 2011, increased competition from renewables and the continuing low price trend of coal in combination with low carbon prices have resulted in a further decline of gas use in power generation. However, other factors such as the decrease in electricity demand due to sluggish European economic growth have completed the picture, driving gas consumption down. Gas consumption fell significantly in Spain (-8.1%), Italy and Poland (-6.5% each), while it remained stable in the United Kingdom and even increased in France (+1.2%) and in Germany (+6.4%).