Abstract
Regional and national heating fuel demand is related to both weather and population density. This study analyzes the variability of population-weighted, seasonal heating degree days for the coterminous 48 states. A risk assessment of unusual weather-related beating energy demand, based on a Gaussian distribution model, is provided. Nationally, the 1970–80 population change reduced heating, but increased cooling demand. The net savings on total national heating and cooling costs are ∼$0.5 billion, or 1%.
