If you're a gamer, you likely have a preference for the computer or a dedicated video game system. But if you use both, you may be interested to know which uses the most energy, and costs the most to use. And of course, it's not just the computer or gaming system that you're using—it's the monitor and television as well. So let's assume you're playing video games for three hours per day, 300 days a year. Which would use more energy: the computer (and monitor) or the video game system (and TV)? Do you think there will be a large difference between the two? Here's an estimate, based on some estimated wattages from Home Energy Saver , and following the steps for calculating annual energy use and cost on Energy Saver. Computer and Monitor Computer CPU: 68 W Monitor: 84 W [3 hours (68 W + 84 W)] / 1000 =...

November 5, 2014 Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, based on U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Note: Oil and natural gas production jobs comprise the North American Industry Classifications System (NAICS) categories for oil and gas extraction, support activities for oil and gas operations, and drilling oil and gas wells. Texas added more than 19,000 new private sector jobs in oil and natural gas production in 2013, almost six times the number added in New Mexico, the next highest state for oil and natural gas production jobs added last year. The extraction, drilling, and support jobs categories are a measure of on-the-ground production jobs, and do not reflect the many jobs at oil and natural gas corporate headquarters based in Texas. In the past decade, growth of jobs in oil and natural gas extraction, drilling, and support activities has outpaced the national average...

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Q&A Which appliance do you think is more efficient? Tell Us Original link

November 4, 2014 Source: EIA, based on Department of Energy's Lighting Facts Database Note: Reflects Lighting Facts database through November 3, 2014. Improvements in lighting technology for light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs have increased lighting efficiency, or efficacy, as well as color quality. In September of this year, several manufacturers released ENERGY STAR®-qualified bulbs surpassing 100 lumens per watt. For comparison, traditional incandescent bulbs, which do not meet current light bulb efficiency standards and are no longer sold, provide 13 to 18 lumens per watt. When first introduced, LED bulbs were far more expensive than other bulbs, but their costs have since come down dramatically. Even now, however, they are often the most expensive bulbs on the shelf, but their much longer lifetimes and lower power draw can economically justify the higher initial cost Costs to consumers have also been reduced by dozens of energy-efficiency programs that offer in-store or mail-in rebates,...

EERE offers webinars to the public on a range of subjects, from adopting the latest energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, to training for the clean energy workforce. Webinars are free; however, advanced registration is typically required. You can also watch archived webinars and browse previously aired videos, slides, and transcripts. Upcoming Webinars November 4: Finding the Next Big Thing(s) in Building Energy Efficiency: HIT Catalyst and the Technology Demo Program Webinar Sponsor: Better Buildings Challenge The Energy Department will present a live webinar titled “Finding the Next Big Thing(s) in Building Energy Efficiency: HIT Catalyst and the Technology Demo Program” on Tuesday, November 4, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Learn how the Energy Department prioritizes high impact technologies (HITs) to advance energy efficiency. Hear from a Better Buildings program participant who is working with Energy Department staff to test promising technologies in buildings. Learn what they...

November 3, 2014 Recent increases in U.S. crude oil production have sparked discussion on how this increase in supply will be used by U.S. refiners given current limitations on exporting domestic crude . On October 30, EIA released a study that explored the relationships between crude oil and gasoline prices. Key findings from the analysis include: Prices of Brent crude oil, an international benchmark, are more important than the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI), a domestic benchmark, for determining gasoline prices in all four U.S. regions studied, including the Midwest. The effect that a relaxation of current limitations on U.S. crude oil exports would have on U.S. gasoline prices depends on its effect on international crude prices, such as Brent, rather than its effect on domestic crude prices. Gasoline is a globally traded commodity, and prices are highly correlated across global spot markets. Gasoline supply, demand, and trade in various...

To commemorate National Energy Action Month, we’re featuring some scarily effective ways to save energy at home. As cooler weather lurks around the corner, tune in to Energy.gov all week long for ways to save energy and money -- and avoid cold weather terrors like energy vampires. We also put together some energy-themed pumpkin patterns to help “energize” your neighborhood for Halloween. Send us photos of your energy-themed jack-o-lanterns via Twitter , Instagram , Facebook or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll share our favorites. It has long been said that on All Hallows’ Eve the boundary between the living world and dead thins, allowing spirits to run free. Ghosts and goblins roam the earth, witches take to the sky on their broomsticks and vampires rise from the dead. Whether you believe in paranormal activity or not, this Halloween don’t let your energy bill give you a scare. Defend yourself from unwanted...

October 31, 2014 Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Petroleum Supply Monthly The United States exported 401,000 barrels per day (bbl/d) of crude oil in July 2014, the highest level of exports in 57 years and the second highest monthly export volume since 1920, when EIA's published data starts. Recent crude oil exports are also noteworthy for both their origins and destinations. As a result of existing U.S. crude oil export restrictions, most U.S. crude exports are sourced domestically and are sent only to Canada. However, since April, crude exports have included modest amounts of Canadian-produced barrels that were moved through the United States and then re-exported to Switzerland, Spain, Italy, and Singapore. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Petroleum Supply Monthly To export crude oil from the United States, a company must obtain a license from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of...

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