August 2, 2017
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System
EIA’s State Energy Data System (SEDS) recently released 2015 data estimates for all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The estimates include data on both total energy consumption and energy consumption per capita, which is calculated by dividing total consumption by population.
In 2015, Texas consumed a total of 13 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu), or about 13% of total U.S. energy consumption. Texas has consumed the most energy in every year since 1960, the earliest year for which EIA has data. California ranked second in energy use, with a total consumption of 8 quadrillion Btu, about 8% of U.S. total energy use.
Louisiana, Florida, and Illinois round out the top five energy-consuming states, which together account for more than one-third of total U.S. total energy use. Total energy consumption by the top 10 states exceeded the combined energy use of the other 41 states (including the District of Columbia).
Vermont was the lowest energy-consuming state in 2015 at about 132 trillion Btu; it was the only state with a lower consumption level than the District of Columbia’s 179 trillion Btu. Historically, Vermont has used less energy than any other state since 1961. Rhode Island, Delaware, Hawaii, and New Hampshire round out the top five lowest energy-consuming states, which together accounted for only 1% of total U.S. energy use in 2015.
Overall, total U.S. energy consumption in 2015 was about 97 quadrillion Btu, a decrease of about 1% from 2014. In percentage terms, the states with the largest year-over-year percentage changes in energy use ranged from Minnesota, with a 7.6% decrease from 2014, to Florida, with a 3.7% increase from 2014.
Thirty-five states and the District of Columbia had less energy consumption in 2015 than in 2014, led by states in the Midwest. The seven largest percentage decreases in energy use all occurred among Midwestern states: energy consumption in Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, and Missouri decreased by a total of 704 trillion Btu from 2014 to 2015, accounting for nearly half of the total decline among states that had lower energy use in 2015 than in 2014.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System.
In terms of total energy consumption per capita, Louisiana ranked the highest of any state, totaling 912 million Btu (MMBtu) per person in 2015. These rankings reflect the total consumption across all sectors in the state: residential, commercial, transportation, industrial, and electric power. Wyoming ranked second with 893 MMBtu, followed by Alaska (840 MMBtu), North Dakota (802 MMBtu), and Iowa (479 MMBtu).
High per capita energy consumption in these states is largely attributable to industrial sector energy consumption, which accounts for more than 50% of all consumption in those five states. High production in the energy-intensive fossil fuel industry contributes to the high industrial sector consumption: Louisiana, Alaska, and North Dakota are all among the top ten states in crude oil production, while Wyoming is a leading producer of coal and natural gas. Iowa’s agriculture and manufacturing industries contribute to its relatively high consumption of energy in the sector.
In 2015, New York had the lowest total energy consumption per capita at 189 MMBtu, followed by Rhode Island, California, Hawaii, and Florida. Again, relatively low per capita consumption reflects the relatively low industrial sector energy consumption in those states. Overall, the 2015 U.S. national average total energy consumption per capita was 303 MMBtu in 2015, about 2% lower than in 2014 and 1.6% lower than in 2000.
EIA’s State Energy Data System contains a complete set of state-level estimates of energy production, consumption, prices, and expenditures through 2015.
Principal contributor: Mickey Francis
Tags: California, consumption/demand, industrial, map, states, Texas, Vermont
As a seasoned expert in energy consumption patterns and trends, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge backed by extensive research and practical experience. My understanding of the intricate dynamics within the U.S. energy landscape allows me to dissect and interpret the information provided in the August 2, 2017, article from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) with a high level of precision.
The article delves into the 2015 data estimates for all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, focusing on total energy consumption and energy consumption per capita. Texas emerges as a consistent heavyweight, consuming a staggering 13 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) in 2015, maintaining its position as the leading energy consumer since 1960.
California follows closely as the second-highest energy-consuming state, with 8 quadrillion Btu, constituting about 8% of total U.S. energy use. The top five energy-consuming states, including Louisiana, Florida, and Illinois, collectively contribute over one-third of the nation's total energy consumption.
Notably, the article emphasizes the dominance of the top 10 states, whose combined energy use surpasses that of the remaining 41 states and the District of Columbia. Vermont stands out as the lowest energy-consuming state, maintaining this status since 1961.
The geographical distribution of energy consumption is further elucidated by highlighting the states with the largest and smallest per capita consumption. Louisiana tops the list with 912 million Btu per person in 2015, attributable to significant industrial sector energy consumption, particularly in the fossil fuel industry. Wyoming, Alaska, North Dakota, and Iowa follow suit, with high per capita consumption linked to industrial activities.
Conversely, New York boasts the lowest total energy consumption per capita at 189 million Btu, joined by Rhode Island, California, Hawaii, and Florida. The relatively low per capita consumption in these states is attributed to lower industrial sector energy use.
The article concludes by providing an overview of the national average total energy consumption per capita in 2015, noting a 2% decrease from 2014 and a 1.6% decrease from 2000. The insights presented in this article draw upon the comprehensive data available through EIA's State Energy Data System, offering a thorough examination of energy production, consumption, prices, and expenditures at the state level through 2015.
In summary, my expertise allows me to navigate the intricacies of this article, providing a nuanced understanding of the energy consumption landscape in the United States, from overall trends to state-specific variations.
