Residential U.S. energy sales down since 2010, according to EIA

U.S. residential electricity sales have declined in both absolute and per capita terms since 2010, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) Electric Power Annual and U.S. Census Bureau population estimates.

The decline may be a result in changes in weather, which is a key driver of year-over-year fluctuations. However, energy efficiency improvements and economic fears have also contributes to the sales’ decline.

For many states, weather is a significant driver for the decline in residential electricity sales.

Additionally, EIA stated that residential electricity sales per household declined even more than the absolute or per capita declines by a total of nine percent from 2010 to 2016. Usage is generally greater during warmer months with the use of air conditioners, fans, and dehumidifiers. However, electricity use during winter months will vary depending on the heating fuel choices for each household.

Among the states with the largest percentage decline in per capita residential electricity sales were also the states that saw the biggest changes in winter weather between 2010 and 2016. Specifically, southern states such as South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama saw 25 to 30 percent fewer heating degree days in 2016 compared to 2010.

While weather played a significant part in the overall decline, investments in energy efficiency have contributed to longer-term declines in residential energy use. According to the EIAs survey of electric power sales, revenue and energy efficiency, energy efficiency program managers, energy service providers and other entities provided an annual average of $3.92 in energy incentives per person from 2013 to 2015.