MTCE Emitted/Per Capita

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Although it is uncommon on a state policy level, there is reason to examine carbon emissions in the residential sector, including emissions generated on a per capita basis. As seen from the graph to the right, the amount of carbon emitted by RI residents has increased from 1990-1996. However, the 1997 state energy plan does not address any aspect of carbon emissions or emissions on a per capita basis. As we watch the international haranguing over the Kyoto Protocol and our own country struggling with carbon emissions it is strange that the state plan only considers emissions in the industrial and transportation sectors.

The graph details the carbon emitted by the use of natural gas, petroleum and electricity in the residential sector, per capita, during the years 1990-1996. All three types of residential energy demonstrate an upward trend with each resident of Rhode Island generating around 1.16 MTCE in 1996. There is a large peak in 1992 in electricity use/ per capita. It is unknown what this peak is from, perhaps a very cold winter or hot summer. How the weather can affect our energy use is discussed in more detail on the residential heating and cooling days page.

The electricity trend line may seem high. The generation of electricity for power accounts for the highest amount of GHG emissions in all sectors of energy consumption. In addition, Methane (CH4) is a major component of natural gas and a source of emissions during the production, transmission and distribution of natural gas. Methane is also found in crude oil. The CH4 volatilizes as the oil is exposed to the atmosphere. These methane leakages during transmission and distribution may account for some, but certainly not all, of the residential natural gas MTCE in Rhode Island.

Nationally, residential end use of electricity accounted for 19% of CO2 emissions from fossil fuel consumption. A total of 66% (out of that 19%) can be attributed to electricity consumption for lighting, heating, cooling and operating appliances. For more information on greenhouse gas emissions on a national level please see the page Residential Greenhouse Gas Emissions On the Rise.

MTCE in the residential sector without the per capita data figured in can be viewed on a a separate page, MTCE Use. In addition, this same information can be viewed separately in terms of MTCE of natural gas, petroleum, or electricity consumed or in terms of British Thermal Units (Btu).

Sources:

EPA Draft Inventory of US Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks 1990-1999. January 9, 2001.

The Greenhouse gas website. http://www.brown.edu/Research/EnvStudies_Theses/GHG/education. 11/13/00

Rhode Island. Statewide Planning Program. Rhode Island Energy Plan, report number 90. Providence, RI: March 1997

MTCE Increases in the Residential Sector

Heating and Cooling Days in the State

Types of Energy Available to Rhode Island Residents and Consumption Trends

Rhode Islanders Should Expect a Price Shock This Winter

How Does Rhode Island Compare to Other States?

RI Indicators Home Page / Energy Home Page