Natural Resources

Energy

Energy

Virginia depends on reliable, safe, and economical sources of energy to power its growing transportation, residential, commercial, and industrial needs. But increasing reliance on energy imports and mounting concerns over carbon-based fossil fuels present new challenges. Virginia can encourage economic growth while preserving the environment by using less energy more efficiently and by finding cleaner but still affordable energy sources.

Why is This Important?

Virginia consumed over 2,385 trillion BTUs of energy in 2009, an increase of 0.2 percent over 2000 levels. Over the same period, indigenous state energy resource production decreased from 1,354 trillion BTUs to 1,092 trillion BTUs. As a result, the Commonwealth imported higher amounts of energy to meet its needs.

Investing in domestic energy production, energy efficiency and conservation, and clean energy sources can help reverse that trend and also bring economic benefits. A recent study by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) estimates that energy efficiency activities result in a nearly 2-to-1 benefit-to-cost advantage and that these gains produce new jobs.

How is Virginia Doing?

Virginia's energy use fell from an annual 345 million BTUs per person in 2005 to 303 million BTUs per person by 2009, due mainly to decreased economic activity.  The rate is slightly lower than the national average of 308 million BTUs, ranking Virginia 23rd among U.S. states for energy consumption. Virginia's per capita consumption was lower than Tennessee (340) but higher than Maryland (251) and North Carolina (272). New York had the nation's lowest energy consumption per capita at 196 million BTUs in 2009.

What Influences Energy Use?

Levels of energy consumption are affected by energy prices, climate, economic activity, personal income levels, resident population characteristics such as age and household size, home size, land use development patterns, industry mix, adoption of energy efficiency measures, government regulations and taxes, technology, and cultural/lifestyle factors. Since some sectors are more energy-intensive than others, state and regional differences in energy consumption per capita may partly reflect differences in industry composition.

What is the State's Role?

The state plans to meet its energy needs by growing in-state energy production by 20 percent over the next 10 years. It has also established voluntary goals of reducing electricity use through conservation and efficiency by 2022 in an amount equal to 10 percent of 2006 use. Actions for achieving these energy goals are detailed in the Virginia Energy Plan. The plan favors increasing reliance on energy produced in Virginia, promoting energy research and development among universities and private companies, encouraging energy conservation and efficiency, and improving the proportion of energy production from clean energy sources. Consumer energy education is an important part of the strategy.

Complementing these efforts are targeted financial incentives for adopting energy efficiency improvements, such as the annual energy sales tax holiday, the Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, and the Weatherization Assistance Program.

Virginia has also committed to improving the energy efficiency of existing state government buildings and adopting energy efficiency standards in new building design. The state has created grants and incentives for growing green jobs in alternative and renewable energy sectors such as biofuels and waste-to-energy facilities and is sponsoring cutting-edge research and development in alternate transportation fuels, nuclear technology, coastal energy production, and carbon capture and storage at state universities.

What Can Citizens Do?

Virginians can make easy consumer-choice and lifestyle changes that yield significant improvements in energy conservation and efficiency. For example, homes can be retrofitted with more energy-efficient materials and equipment, such as attic and wall insulation, compact fluorescent or LED light bulbs, hot water tank insulation, and Energy Star appliances. Energy Star reports that in 2008 alone, Americans saved enough energy to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 29 million cars -- all while saving $19 billion on their utility bills. Citizens can also conserve energy by weatherizing their homes, properly servicing HVAC equipment, and turning off lights and appliances when not in use. Rebates and financial assistance may be available for those who take such initiatives (see at right).

Drivers can realize additional vehicle fuel economy by avoiding aggressive driving and excessive idling, driving at lower speeds, using cruise control, keeping their vehicles tuned up, and maintaining proper tire pressure.

Virginians can affect energy use even more by making broader lifestyle changes and investments. Choices in where to live and mode of transport can have a major impact. For instance, living in pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly mixed-use communities with public transportation options can significantly reduce energy use. Decisions about major purchases such as homes and automobiles are also opportunities to make substantial energy savings. Consumers can build or purchase smaller and/or more efficient houses that meet Energy Star, EarthCraft Home, or LEED standards. They can purchase automobiles with improved fuel economy, such as compact cars and hybrid vehicles, and/or consider living closer to work and shopping for shorter commutes.

Additional detailed information on how individuals can reduce energy use is available in the Virginia Energy Savers Handbook and from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Savers website for consumers.