Gap between energy production, consumption in U.S. reached a record in 2023

The U.S. consumed 9 quadrillion British thermal units (quads) more than it consumed in 2023 – the most since 1949 when the U.S. Energy Information Administration began keeping records on these figures.  

A British thermal unit is a measure of energy. It’s the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of liquid water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. 

According to the EIA monthly energy review, energy production in the U.S. rose 4% last year to nearly 103 quads, which was driven largely by growth in oil and gas production. 

Solar energy production grew 15% in 2023 over the previous year to nearly 1 quad. Wind energy production fell 2% to 1.5 quads due to low wind speeds.