Energy Commission Releases New Data on How COVID-19 is Impacting the Energy Sector

For Immediate Release: May 12, 2020

Energy Insights report shows changes in supply and demand since March

SACRAMENTO – The California Energy Commission (CEC) today released new data providing a snapshot of trends in the energy sector, including impacts to energy supply and demand, since California’s stay-at-home order took effect March 19.

Key highlights from the Energy Insights report include:

• Electricity Sector
  • Average weekday demand for electricity in California declined by more than 4 percent in late March, and 9 percent in April compared to the same time last year.
  • Residential energy use by customers in the three investor-owned utilities increased by 8.9 to 12.4 percent for 2020 year-to-date compared to the same time period last year, but this was offset by substantial reductions in commercial and industrial demand.
  • Demand has dropped the most during midday hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., compared to 2019, resulting in a steeper evening ramp.
• Natural Gas Sector
  • Natural gas demand during April 2020 was up about 6 percent, compared to April 2019.
  • In the Pacific Gas and Electric service territory, natural gas demand for electricity generation was up about 12 percent for April 2020 compared to April 2019.
• Transportation Fuels Sector
  • California transportation fuel production saw the following declines for the week ending May 1 compared to week ending March 20:
    • Gasoline production declined 47.5 percent;
    • Jet fuel production dropped 68.3 percent; and
    • Diesel production decreased 33.2 percent.

For more information on the state’s response to COVID-19, visit https://covid19.ca.gov.

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About the California Energy Commission

The California Energy Commission is leading the state to a 100 percent clean energy future. It has seven core responsibilities: developing renewable energy, transforming transportation, increasing energy efficiency, investing in energy innovation, advancing state energy policy, certifying thermal power plants, and preparing for energy emergencies.