How to Compare States by Their Commercial Energy Usage?

The commercial sector plays an important role in energy consumption throughout the United States. It is heavily influenced by factors like climate, population, energy policies, and economic activity. The data provided by the U.S. Energy Information Administration can be used to compare the energy consumption by states to show its differences and patterns. This blog will provide a review of commercial energy consumption by state, showing which states consume the most energy and how it is being used.

What Is Commercial Energy Use?

Commercial energy accounts for power consumed by businesses and non-governmental organizations. Such entities range from retail outlets like supermarkets to office complexes, hotels and motels, fast-food joints, educational institutions, and medical facilities. These facilities and organizations typically use most of their energy to heat, cool, and light their buildings. Energy sources for the commercial sector are diverse. 

They range from electricity and natural gas to heating oil and renewable energy systems. Energy consumption changes from state to state based on climate, energy policies and state incentives. States with extreme climates require more energy for heating and cooling. The commercial sector’s energy use is an important component of the overall energy landscape as it helps to power businesses and the US economy. 

Interesting Facts About Commercial Energy Consumption

Here are some facts and figures about commercial energy consumption:

• Average Building Energy Use: The average commercial building in the U.S. consumes 22.5 kWh per square foot on an annual basis. 
• Refrigeration: Refrigeration energy consumption in the U.S. accounts for about 7% of all energy use. Although that sounds small, it’s actually quite a large portion of commercial energy consumption.
• HVAC: Heating and cooling in commercial buildings accounts for almost 40% of all commercial energy use in the United States!
• Commercial Solar: Only 3.5% of commercial buildings in the United States have solar energy systems installed. That leaves a lot of room for the growth of renewable energy in commercial applications.

Total Commercial Energy Consumption By State 

The chart below uses data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to show total commercial energy consumption for each state. To compare different energy sources, the EIA converted all data into British Thermal Units (Btu). The chart covers all 49 states and Washington D.C., providing a clear view of energy usage across the U.S.

Reducing Commercial Energy Consumption

Data on energy consumption in the commercial sector reveals important information about regional power needs and the economic landscape of the country. States facing harsh weather or higher urban cities will have higher energy consumption than others. However, certain states don’t have a high rate of commercial businesses operating in their territory, resulting in lower energy consumption. Businesses in all sectors can take energy management into their own hands by investing in energy-efficiency practices, like upgrading equipment or building management controls, in order to lower their energy consumption rates.

Related Blog:
How To Calculate Business Energy Consumption?

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