Trends point to flat consumption overall for LPG

An analysis of energy consumption in U.S. households points to flat propane sales, according to the Virginia-based research firm Energy and Environmental Analysis Inc.

EEA says its study of data from 2000-06 shows that the number of propane customers and market share continue to increase nationwide. But warm weather, higher prices and improved appliance efficiencies have kept overall consumption down.

Other findings in the study:

Electricity continues to gain market share, while natural gas is relatively stable. Electricity continues to take market share from propane in the Southeast. Natural gas is taking market share from propane in the Midwest.

Wood and fuel oil continue to lose market share, but the potential for propane to take additional market from wood continues to decline.