Peak Oil Task Force Report - City of Bloomington - State of Indiana

Home Heating Fuel
In both Bloomington and Monroe County, most heating fuel is either utility, bottled, tank, or
liquefied petroleum gas or electricity. In 2006, natural gas accounted for 59.71% of total
energy consumed in the Bloomington residential sector, while coal accounted for the
remaining 40.29%. The total amount of coal consumed (95% of electricity production) was
equivalent to 292,424,591 kWh. Also that year, the equivalent of 433,462,717 kWh of
natural gas was consumed (heating plus 5% of electricity generation). 190 As mentioned
previously, both the price of electricity and natural gas are expected to increase as the price
of oil becomes more volatile and more expensive.
Energy Consumption Distribution
In addition to looking at sources of our residential energy use, it is important to look at how
we use that energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, in residential buildings,
space heating and cooling, lighting, and water heating account for 66% of the total energy
consumption.
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
End Use Residential
Buildings
Space Heating 31%
Lighting 11%
Space Cooling 12%
Water Heating 12%
Refrigeration 8%
Electronics 7%
Cooking 5%
Wet Clean 5%
Computers 1%
Other 9%
Adapted from U.S. Department of Energy, 2007 Energy Data Book.
Any efforts to reduce energy consumption must start with a close examination of space and
water heating, cooling and lighting.
190 City of Bloomington Environmental Commission & City of Bloomington Commission on Sustainability,
Greenhouse Gas Inventory for the City of Bloomington, Indiana: Footprint, Projections, and Recommendations
(May 2009) https://bloomington.in.gov/media/media/application/pdf/5047.pdf
Report of the Bloomington Peak Oil Task Force 157