Energy Indicators

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Energy Consumption

Energy use contributes to both air and water pollution. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon into the atmosphere and contributes to global climate change. Other pollutants that result from energy generation include sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds. These substances are the precursors of acid rain and ground level ozone.

The efficient use of energy resources is critical to our environment, our economy, and our national security. Technological improvements in such areas as lighting technology, building design, industrial processes, space heating and cooling equipment, and motor vehicles enable us to use energy more wisely while maintaining our quality of life. Per capita energy consumption is an indicator of our effectiveness in using energy efficient technologies.

Chart shows the amount of energy we use to heat, cool, and light our homes, and to operate our businesses. While the total amount of energy used in the county continues to go up, the amount used per person has dropped a little since 1996. This is partially the result of people living in more energy efficient homes, and also reflects the use of newer, better technology, which allows us to do more with less energy.

Total Energy Consumption in Millions of BTUs
(non-transportation uses)

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

electricity

30,346,618

29,652,330

28,403,886

30,932,242

28,926,842

29,768,717

natural gas

27,590,076

28,085,832

26,240,896

30,109,903

29,272,081

25,302,621

oil & propane

4,194,281

4,855,169

3,494,236

4,980,629

3,814,875

2,865,388

Residential

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

electricity

14,102,763

14,331,678

13,353,157

15,471,640

13,858,975

14,223,310

natural gas

20,550,432

20,429,339

18,029,092

21,554,664

18,352,840

15,132,319

oil & propane

2,817,931

3,042,253

2,486,003

3,216,109

2,486,095

2,180,212

Non-residential

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

electricity

16,243,856

15,320,652

15,050,728

15,460,602

15,067,867

15,545,407

natural gas

7,039,644

7,656,494

8,148,804

8,555,238

10,991,241

10,170,302

oil & propane

1,376,370

1,812,916

999,912

1,764,521

1,299,981

823,869

Click on image for full-size chart of Total Energy Consumption (normalized for weather)

Renewable Energy

Using renewable energy resources reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, which thereby reduces pollution emissions, which can in turn improve air and water quality. The county currently generates electric power from the combustion of solid waste (garbage) at its Resource Recovery Facility. Montgomery College, and several homeowners and businesses throughout the county have photovoltaic systems which convert the sun’s energy into electrical power. In addition, some homes use solar thermal energy to provide hot water.

Opportunities exist to harness methane gas produced from landfills to generate electricity. There is also potential for greater use of solar energy.

Electricity produced from renewable sources is currently enough to provide about 6 percent of residential electric use, or enough power to operate lighting and appliances in about 26,000 homes.

Electricity
MWh/year

Total Residential Consumption

4,167,392

Power from Renewable Sources

256,518

Percent Renewable

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