How much electricity is used for lighting in the United States?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) includes detailed data on the types of lighting equipment and on electricity consumption for lighting in U.S. homes. According to the most recent RECS, in 2020, electricity consumption for lighting accounted for about 6% (81 billion kilowatthours [kWh]) of electricity consumption in U.S. homes.
EIA’s Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) includes data on the types of lighting used and on energy consumption for lighting by U.S. commercial buildings. According to the most recent CBECS, in 2018, electricity consumption for lighting accounted for about 17% (208 billion kWh) of electricity consumption by U.S. commercial buildings.
EIA’s Manufacturing Energy Consumption Survey (MECS) includes data on electricity consumption for facility lighting in U.S. manufacturing facilities. According to most recent MECS, in 2018, electricity consumption for facility lighting accounted for about 6% (53 billion kWh) of total electricity use at U.S. manufacturing facilities.
EIA does not have an estimate of electricity use specifically for public street and highway lighting.
Learn more:
Articles on lighting
Energy Explained: Use of electricity
Energy Explained: Energy use in homes
Energy Explained: Energy use in commercial buildings
Trends in Lighting in Commercial Buildings
U.S. Department of Energy market studies on lighting
Last updated: March 15, 2024.
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