U.S. Posts Record Energy Consumption in 2018: EIA

In 2018, the United States consumed more energy than ever before, reaching a record high of 101.3 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) in 2018, up 4 percent from 2017 and 0.3 percent more than the previous record set in 2007. Consumption of petroleum, natural gas, and coal grew by 4 percent in 2018 and accounted for 80 percent of U.S. total energy consumption, according to the agency.

Last year, natural gas consumption in the nation reached a record high of 31 quadrillion Btu driven by weather and more natural gas-fired power plants coming online. Natural gas was used more often for electricity generation, boosting consumption in the electric power sector by 15 percent compared to 2017 levels.