Recent trends in the production and use of electricity in the United States
The production and consumption of electricity in the US grew rapidly from 1950 to 1973, about 7.5%/yr, and then decreased in rate of growth considerably, averaging about 2.2%/yr since 1973. Electricity's growth rate in this period was much greater than that of energy as a whole - about double. Worldwide, the rate of growth was even faster than that of the US - nearly 8%/yr. As a consequence, the US proportion of world electricity generation dropped from 40% in 1959 to 27% in 1982, based on the latest UN data. US electricity production by type of generation is principally by conventional steam turbines, and the major fuel for the generation of steam is coal. Coal use has been increasing steadily at the expense of more costly oil and gas. Fossil fuels as a group contribute more than 70% of the energy input to power plants and are likely to be the prime contributors for some time to come because of the limited growth potential of hydroelectricity and nuclear. Coal is favored by its relatively low price and large domestic reserves, but is constrained by special problems. Residential and commercial sales promoted vigorously by the electric utility industry, have grown more rapidly than industrial sales. 15 figures, 2 tables.
- OSTI ID:
- 5231684
- Journal Information:
- Energy Top.; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Top.; (United States)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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