Efficiency and the Electric Grid

Fossil fuels provide more than 85% of all the energy consumed in the US, nearly two-thirds of our electricity, and virtually all of our transportation fuels. (Source: DOE)

Today’s challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while meeting the country’s steadily rising demand for electricity make it essential for legislatures and public utility commissions to shift their focus toward mechanisms that make demand reduction as profitable for utilities as increasing supply. (Source: Institute for 21st Century Energy)

Electricity generation accounts for about 40% of total U.S. energy consumption. (Source: Institute for 21st Century Energy)

In 2007, the average monthly residential electricity consumption was 936 kWh. (Source: EIA)

In 2007, renewable sources of energy accounted for about 7% of total U.S. energy consumption and 9.4% of electricity generation. (Source: EIA)