Energy Use in Oregon
Consumption by Source
Oregon relies on energy from a variety of resources. We import energy like gasoline, natural gas, propane, and other fuels. We use electricity from both in- and out-of-state sources—including coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydropower, wind, and other renewable resources.
For this introduction to Oregon’s energy use, the report sorts energy into three main categories: Electricity, Direct Use, and Transportation.
Consumption by Sector
Energy consumption is also tracked by how it is used among four main end-use sectors: Residential, Commercial, Transportation, and Industrial.
direct use fuels
What We Use and Where it Comes From
In 2020, Oregon used 255.7 trillion Btu of direct use fuels to cook, heat buildings, and support commercial and industrial processes. Direct use fuels make up about 26 percent of the total energy consumption in Oregon. These fuels are used on-site in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. They do not include fuels used to generate electricity or support the transportation sector.
Energy efficiency saves Pacific NW ratepayers over $4 billion and reduces GHG emissions by over 22 million MTCO2 each year.
energy efficiency
Energy use in buildings across the residential and commercial sectors makes up 25 and 19 percent of Oregon’s 2020 overall energy use respectively, and produces 35 percent of Oregon greenhouse gas emissions. While adoption of energy efficiency measures continues to rise in Oregon, there remains significant potential to further reduce building energy use in new and existing buildings with new or improved energy efficiency measures, including construction techniques, efficient equipment and appliances, and equipment controls that reduce the monthly consumption of utility-provided energy.