Frequently Asked Questions
How much energy does a person use in a year?
In 2011, total energy use per person (or per capita consumption) in the U.S. was 312 million British thermal units (Btu). This was about 1.3% less than the 316 million Btu per capita consumed in 2010. It was 13% less than the per capita consumption in 1978, which was the highest since 1949. The world per capita consumption of energy1 in 2009 was 71 million Btu.
1Includes only coal, electricity, natural gas, and petroleum fuels that are produced and sold in conventional markets. Biomass fuels such as wood and charcoal used for heating and cooking are not included; EIA does not have an estimate for the amount of those fuels consumed in other countries.
Learn more:
Historical, annual U.S. energy consumption per capita.
Historical per capita energy consumption for the world and individual countries.
Last updated: February 12, 2013
Other FAQs about General Energy
- Does EIA have city or county-level energy consumption and price data?
- Does EIA have county-level energy production data?
- Does EIA have energy prices for countries?
- Does EIA have maps or information on the location of electric power plants and transmission lines in the United States?
- Does EIA have maps or information on the location of natural gas and oil pipelines?
- How do I cite information on EIA's website in a bibliography?
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- How much does it cost to build different types of power plants in the United States?
- How much energy does a person use in a year?
- How much energy is consumed in the world by each sector?
- How much energy is used in buildings in the United States?
- Where can I find out about energy-related grants or tax credits for my home or business?
- Where can I get help paying my utility bills?
- Who do I contact to complain about high energy prices?
- How much of the world's energy does the United States use?
- How much of world energy consumption and electricity generation is from renewable energy?
- What types and amounts of energy are produced in each state?