Petroleum consumption maintained a steady share of total consumption from 1970 to 1993. Total consumption closely mirrored petroleum consumption with solid growth from 1983 to 1990, leveling off through 1993. Coal made up a very small portion of end-use consumption. Coal is an important primary fuel source in the production of electricity. Primary energy consumption trends are similar to end-use trends.
Petroleum is the dominant fuel used in Washington State.
Overall consumption trends are largely driven by trends in petroleum consumption. The transportation sector uses the majority of petroleum consumed in the state. Thus growth in travel is a key influence on overall state energy consumption. The increased popularity of natural gas for applications such as heating and industrial use since the mid-1980s are clearly reflected in the data. The decline in the growth rate of electricity consumption may be partly due to increases in efficiency and to fuel switching, primarily to natural gas.