Energy-savvy homeowners using more efficient appliances, combined with weather effects and higher-energy-rated homes across the ACT saw a 1.67 per cent drop in electricity demand.

ACTEW's revenue contribution from the taxpayer-owned joint venture was $48.4 million in 2012-13, down on the previous year's result of $51.7 million.

Company spokesman John Bannon said the drop was mainly due to lower electricity consumption.

''Since May 2010 ActewAGL has seen a decline in electricity demand by residential households,'' he said.

''The installation of solar PV has contributed in part to reductions in domestic usage.

''But other factors are more significant, like energy efficiency improvements, changing customer behaviour and seasonal weather.''

Mr Bannon said a decrease in electricity consumption was taking place throughout Australia's eastern sea board and in South Australia, where one in five homes has solar power installed.

Residential customers adopting more energy-efficient appliances and becoming more conscious of their energy use also contributed to the result, while new residential building designs continued to achieve higher energy-efficiency ratings.

The move towards higher-density housing also contributed to a decline in power use in the ACT.

Facing a threat to long-term profitability from lower electricity use, Mr Bannon said ActewAGL would continue to explore new products and innovation.

''We'll continue to assist our customers to manage their electricity bills and work to maintain the lowest electricity prices in Australia,'' he said.

''We recognise that lower electricity use is a trend so we are always looking at initiatives to assist in protecting our long-term profitability.

''Storing power in batteries is just one idea we'd like to explore.''