April 06, 2010

Study on Energy Use Indicates Progress and Challenges for State

Annual Report Details Energy Use Across All Sectors

Albany, April 6, 2010—New York is both the fourth largest energy-consuming state in the nation and the second most energy-efficient state per capita, according to a report issued today by the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA).

“Patterns and Trends,” a publication detailing 15 years of statistics regarding New York’s energy use, also reports that energy consumption dropped by 1.6 percent from 2007 to 2008, the last full year for which data is available, and that use of in-state renewable resources including hydropower, wind, solar and biomass, increased as a percentage of energy used.

“New York’s energy portfolio presents both challenges and opportunities for the state,” said Francis J. Murray, president and CEO of NYSERDA. “In the years ahead, we will need to maximize the potential of our renewable resources while continuing to increase our energy efficiency, diversify the state’s energy mix, and support the growth of a clean energy economy. Under Governor Paterson’s leadership, we have made significant strides in all of these areas, and we must continue to do so.” Other highlights in the report:

• Total Energy Consumption. Overall consumption declined by 1.6 percent. Consumption of natural gas, petroleum, and coal decreased by 1 percent, 7 percent and 7 percent respectively, while hydropower and nuclear power increased by 7 percent and 2 percent respectively.
• Energy Prices. The total energy bill for the state’s consumers was up 10 percent over 2007 in constant dollars.
• Types of Energy Consumed. Petroleum consumption represents 37 percent of energy use compared to a national average of 33 percent. Coal represents 6 percent of energy, compared to 25 percent nationally. Other sources include natural gas, 30 percent; nuclear power, 11 percent; hydropower, 7 percent; and other, including various fuels regarded as renewable, 9 percent. Petroleum product consumption, as a percentage of total consumption, declined 3 percent, to 37% from 40% and natural gas use declined 1% from 2007 to 2008.
• Electricity Generation. Electricity generation accounted for 40% of energy consumption. Natural gas and nuclear each contributed 26% of the state’s electric generation. Hydro power was third at 17%, imported mixed-source power from outside the New York grid at 14%, coal at 12%, petroleum only 2%, other (including biomass) at 2% and wind at one percent.
• Dependence on imported petroleum. The state’s dependence on imported petroleum was 91%, versus an average of 68% for the US. In-state resources—mostly hydro power, natural gas and alternative energy including bio-fuels, wind and solar increased to 12% of energy consumed, or one percent higher than the previous year.

The full report is available online at Patterns and Trends - New York State Energy Profiles: 1994-2008 [PDF]

Contact:
Jeffrey Gordon, NYSERDA
518-862-1090 ext. 3544
jrg@nyserda.ny.gov