|
Energy consumption per capita is calculated as the sum of all energy consumed in the Nation in a given year divided by the population. Consumption for all forms of energy is presented in British Thermal Units (BTUs) to produce a common unit of measure.
Energy consumption per capita and energy consumption per dollar of gross domestic product (GDP) are two widely used indicators of energy consumption. Over the last 50 years, energy consumption per capita has generally increased, while energy consumption per dollar of GDP has decreased.
End use energy consumption is total energy consumption less losses incurred in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, less power plant electricity use and unaccounted for electrical system energy losses.
Energy consumption per capita reflects personal access to and use of energy services such as heat, light, and mobility; but it does not tell us what mix of energy services were actually utilized or what the environmental and social effects of that energy use were. Energy consumption per dollar of GDP highlights the economic efficiency of use. Indicators of energy consumption can reflect the average material well-being (access to warmth, transportation, electricity, and economic activity), as well as the average efficiency of industrial processes across the Nation.
It may also be useful to examine energy production and use related to various sectors of the economy. For example, total vehicle-miles traveled may be a useful indicator in assessing the contribution of transportation sector to the nationwide consumption of energy. In 1994, the Federal Highway Administration estimated that the total vehicle-miles traveled in the United States was 2.36 trillion miles, and that the average number of miles traveled per vehicle was 11,697 miles. Total annual fuel consumption was 140.5 billion gallons or an average of 705 gallons per vehicle. This is a decrease since 1970, when the average annual fuel consumption per vehicle was 830 gallons; but it is an increase since 1990, when the average annual fuel consumption per vehicle was 677 gallons.
Energy consumption is important from an environmental standpoint since the combustion of fossil fuels, which accounts for about 85% of current U.S. energy supply, results in the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Increasing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases can contribute to global climate change.
Reference:
A comprehensive review of the National Income and Protection Accounts was released by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce in early 1996 that resulted in changes to the entire Gross Domestic Product (GDP) series; the revised values for energy consumption per dollar of GDP for the years 1949-1958 were not available for inclusion in this graph. Link(s) to be added, when feasible, to data at level of detail suitable
for use at the community level.
Note:
|
http://www.sdi.gov/indicators/lc_ener.htm Last Modified: May 13, 2002 |