SINGULAR ENERGY TRENDS IN CALIFORNIA

California's energy-use patterns differ significantly from U. S. patterns. The reasons relate to the state's indigenous oil industry and the importance of the transportation end-use sector that in 1983 consumed 40% of the primary energy supplied to the state. Whereas energy usage decreased slightly over the decade 1973-1983, it did so concurrently with a 20. 5% increase in population. Total consumption in most end-use sectors remained near 1973 levels, suggesting that conservation was important. An exception is seen in transportation use: an increased number of vehicles on the road was not totally offset by better vehicle mileage. In contrast to the nation as a whole, coal is used only for coking in California; nuclear energy comprises a smaller portion of the energy slate in California than in other states; and renewables, especially geothermal, play a small role (2%). Currently, power imported from adjoining states - either as purchases or from out-of-state coal-fired plants partially owned by California utilities - makes up 36% of total power transmitted to customers. Next in importance is hydroelectric power, followed by natural gas.