U.S. Energy Consumption Surprisingly Increased in 2016

While U.S. energy-related emissions dropped in 2016, overall energy consumption actually increased. 

That's according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), which found total U.S. energy consumption rose to 97.4 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu), slightly above the 2015 mark. 

The chart below breaks down U.S. energy consumption by fuel source since 2000. 

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Notably, U.S. energy use still increased despite a significant 9 percent decrease in coal consumption. Additionally, while renewable fuels experienced the most growth (0.7 percent), fossil fuels still made up the lion's share of total energy consumption at 81 percent, slightly down from 86 percent in 2005. 

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Which economic sectors drove demand for each of the major fossil fuels? Petroleum demand was led by the transportation sector, coal by the electric power sector, and natural gas by the industrial and electric power sectors.  

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

With natural gas playing an increasing role in meeting U.S. energy demand, there will likely be a significant impact on natural gas prices. Our most recent Energy Market Update video highlights the latest natural gas price information. 

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