Report examines state energy consumption

A recent State Energy Data System report estimates revealed per capita energy consumption varies among states and ranged from 176 million British thermal units (Btu) in Rhode Island to 897 million Btu in Louisiana in 2016.

The report referenced Rhode Island consumes less energy per capita than the nation’s average in every sector, especially in the industrial sector, where it was 77 percent lower than the national average in 2016, according to evaluators.

The report showed that Louisiana had the highest per capita total energy consumption in 2016, surpassing Wyoming, which was highest in 2015. Officials attributed that fact to Louisiana’s combination of a large industrial sector, which includes its energy-intensive chemical, petroleum and natural gas industries along with its modest population size.

Energy Information Administration (EIA) officials said total per capita energy consumption is calculated as the sum of energy consumed in the four end-use sectors divided by the total population. The largest energy-consuming sectors are the industrial and transportation sectors, which accounted for 32 percent and 29 percent, respectively, of total U.S. energy consumption in 2016.

Officials said other states with low energy consumption per capita include New York, Hawaii, California, and Connecticut while states with high total per capita energy consumption include Wyoming, Alaska, and North Dakota.

North Dakota consumed the most energy per capita of any state in both the residential and commercial sectors with 89 million Btu and 113 million Btu, respectively, the report stated.