Texas is the top energy-consuming state in the U.S., accounting for 12 percent of the nation’s total energy use, according to data released this week by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The Lone Star state is followed by California (8.5 percent), Florida (4.5 percent), New York (4 percent), and Illinois (4 percent).
The fact that California uses less energy than Texas despite having a larger population (37 million versus 25 million, according to the 2010 U.S. Census) could be the result of its more progressive energy-efficiency policies. For example, California was the first state to adopt a minimum efficiency standard for televisions, which has helped draw national attention to the issue of energy use with all electronics.
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Is a policy analyst consultant for TCAP, a coalition of political subdivisions in Texas that purchase electricity in the deregulated market for their own governmental use. Because energy costs are typically a significant budget item to our members, TCAP is consistently looking for ways to save our members money, through cost-saving contracts, energy efficiency or demand response programs.