Message from the Director
This edition of the Washington State Energy Use Profile is
the seventh published by the Washington State Energy Office since
1979. The purpose of the Profile is to provide energy planners,
policymakers, and consumers with information about energy-use
trends in Washington State.
This version of the Profile departs from the format of its predecessors.
Drawing on input from energy professionals and policymakers,
a series of 10 energy performance indicators were developed for
the Profile. The indicators combine energy, economic and demographic
data in a manner that makes the information more meaningful and
useful. Taken together, the indicators provide an overall look
at the energy picture in Washington State.
We plan on making the Profile an annual publication. This will
provide users with consistent energy information on a regular
basis. The publication will be released in the spring each year.
There are a number of key energy trends highlighted in this issue
of the Profile. Energy prices have declined from their peaks
following the oil crises of the 1970s. Energy intensity has also
declined due to improvements in energy efficiency and shifts in
the economy to less energy intensive industries and businesses.
The indicators for energy expenditures have returned to 1970
levels due to lower energy prices and reduced energy intensity.
Amongst these positive trends are some areas of concern. One
primary issue is the continued dependence on petroleum for over
half of the energy consumption in the state. This is due to growth
in transportation sector energy consumption, which accounted for
over three quarters of the growth in energy consumption in the
state during the period from 1983 to 1993. It is important to
recognize and respond to these important trends to ensure we move
into the future and don't relive the past.
As you may have heard, the Washington State Energy Office is closing
its doors effective June 30, 1996. What you may not know
is that, come July 1, 1996, new doors will open to you offering
many of the programs, products, services and expert staff you've
come to rely on, in addition to new programs you may want to learn
more about. Energy policy activities will be moving to Washington
State Community, Trade & Economic Development (CTED). CTED
will be responsible for maintaining energy data for Washington
State. The Washington State University Cooperative Extension
will be providing these services under contract to CTED.
We are prepared to meet your energy information needs during this
transition period. Please contact Alan Mountjoy-Venning, energy
data research analyst at WSU Cooperative Extension, for your energy
data needs at (360) 956-2092. For energy policy assistance, contact
Deborah Ross at CTED at (360) 956-2124.
