WASHINGTON - U.S. energy use held almost steady in 2002, according to a new report by the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Energy Information Administration (EIA). U.S. energy use increased approximately 1 percent above 2001 levels, but is still 1.4 percent lower than the energy consumption in 2000 and only 0.6 percent greater than 1999 consumption levels.

By sector, the trends in energy use reflect trends in the U.S. economy as a whole, with residential energy use increasing 3.4 percent and accounting for most of the overall increase. Commercial energy use increased 0.5 percent, industrial energy use increased 0.02 percent, and the use of energy for transportation increased 0.9 percent.

The energy intensity of the economy - measured in energy use per dollar of gross domestic product - continued its downward trend, and is now at 10.31 thousand Btu per dollar, adjusted to 1996 dollars. A decrease in energy intensity suggests that the U.S. economy is using energy more efficiently.

Publication date: 11/03/2003