Kentucky energy consumption and requirements

A comparison of Kentucky's energy consumption with estimated requirements indicates a continued surplus. In 1972 Kentucky ranked 15th in gross per capita Btu consumption and 27th in net. Increased use of coal to generate electricity results in larger losses of energy during conversion from primary to secondary form, increasing the difference between net and gross consumption. Total growth in energy production increased faster than total gross consumption, thereby releasing a net l,745 trillion Btu's (largely coal) for export. Analyses of principal industrial users of energy and estimates of future needs based on different growth rates and income levels show that supply will continue to exceed demand unless the natural gas supply declines. With utility expansion, the supply gap will increase. Results of a questionnaire to various industries reveal that 40% feel energy shortages (especially fuel oil) restricted expansion plans, and most fuel energy sources, except possibly natural gas, are not switchable. These industries are the ones most heavily involved in programs to lower their consumption. (DCK)