AbstractIndustrial electrification trends since the oil embargo are examined to observe continuance (or reversal) of historic trends toward the increased use of electricity per unit of physical output. The focus is on 5 of the 20 Standard Industrial Classification groups (i.e., primary metals, pulp and paper, petroleum refining, stone/clay/glass, and chemicals), which are energy intensive and which together use 75% of the energy used in manufacturing.More electricity is being used now per unit of output than was used at the time of the embargo, and the direct use of fuels has declined. Nonutility generation of electricity has also declined 40%. Electricity purchases are now equivalent to 45% of all primary energy purchased for manufacturing. Specific examples of electricity purchased in 1981 compared to 1974 in kilowatt hours per kilogram of product include: steel, 0.46 to 0.61; petroleum refining, 0.23 to 0.28; paper, 0.55 to 0.66; plastic resins, 0.72 to 0.81; and glass, 0.43 to 0.46.