Energy usage slips 1.7% due to slower economy.

Byline: Eric S. Boras

Reflecting the lethargic economic activity last year, the country's total energy consumption declined by 1.71%, data from the Department of Energy (DoE) showed.

According to the latest DoE data, the country's primary energy consumption for the whole year of 2001 stood at 245.28 million barrels of fuel equivalent (MMBFOE), lower than the 249.47 MMBFOE posted in 2000.

Prior last year, the annual energy consumption in the country declined only twice during the last 16 years - in 1998 and in 1985. In both years, the country's economic activity suffered significant contraction.

In 1998, energy consumption tumbled 0.6% and in 1985 fell 1.2%. Relatedly, the country's gross domestic product (GDP) shrank 0.6% and 7.3% in 1998 and 1985, …