2013 was probably one of the most momentous years for energy efficiency but as the world still grips with the effects of the Great Recession, progress was a bit limited. The year 2013 did bring a new standard of energy efficiency for many Energy Star labeled products, check out the Most Efficient in 2013 to see if your appliance made the list!
This year will also mark the start of the age of natural gas and renewables. As the fast growing energy sources, both renewables and natural gas have experienced significant growth and success throughout 2013. Renewables have officially become competitive to conventional sources and natural gas has surpassed coal as the most widely used fuel.
2013 Stats
Weather
Weather-wise, this year we saw record high and record low temperatures hitting the US. Summer of 2013 was the 5th warmest summer on record. The warm temperatures have resulted in escalating utility bill costs and deadly storms approaching dense areas of the country. Of course we can’t control the weather to work in our energy efficient favor, but the changes in our energy consumptive behaviours have been accelerating. With temperatures peaking past 100 degrees Fahrenheit, air conditioners are no longer a luxury but a necessity to withstand the new summer. For the summer of 2013, there was a slight drop in utility costs compared to 2012. The cost was offset due to increases in electricity price.
Average U.S. residential summer 2013 electric bill expected to be lowest in four years. (Credit: EIA)
While the east coast of the United States broke record high temperatures this year, the Midwest and other areas have experienced frigid conditions. For the winter of 2013, it is expected that heating bills could increase almost 13%!
Weather Highlights (Credit: Accuweather)
Energy
Renewable energy sources have seen tremendous increases in 2013.
Additional Energy by Fuel Type in the U.S. (Credit: EIA)
In 2012, wind was credited as the fastest growing energy source of 2013 accounting for about 43% of all electric installations. The solar sector this year has seen its second largest increase in its history! All together, renewables and nuclear power had the fastest growth rate of 2013 at 2.5%. In the fossil fuel world, natural gas has seen impressive increases worldwide. In terms of total energy consumption, the US has seen decreases in total energy consumption since the start of the 2000s. Other types of fuels, like for transportation and heating, have not seen a significant increase and have hovered around 18-19 million barrels per day.
Stay tuned next week when we go over innovations in energy efficiency for 2013!
Have an Energy Efficient and Happy New Year from all of us at GreenOhm!
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