Thursday, October 27, 2011

Electricity Use Continues to Rise


Total energy consumption is falling in developed nations, but not so for the electricity sector as you can see in the above graph.
  • From 2000 to 2009, increases in electricity demand averaged 0.5% per year.
  • Demand growth is projected to continue at about 1% per year through 2035.

Pie Graph of Electricity Generation by Coal, Natural Gas, Nuclear, and Other (2010):


Coal is the largest source of electricity generation in the United States.
  • 56% of home electrical use goes towards appliances and lighting
  • 22% of home electrical use goes towards air conditioning
  • 7% of home electrical use goes towards refrigeration

A pie chart showing the use of electricity in U.S. homes: Air Conditioning 20%, Refrigerators 12%, Water Heating 10%, Space Heating 6%, All other appliances and lighting 52%

To find out more from the EIA's monthly electricity update go here.