This paper investigates the changes in electricity consumption (EC) at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level across the continental U.S. during the initial two months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study finds a correlation between the reduction in total EC and the shares of specific industries within an MSA, while residential EC increased across the continental U.S. regardless of pandemic incidence or economic structure. The analysis, covering 380 MSAs representing 86% of the U.S. population and 87% of total EC, provides valuable insights for future socioeconomic crises.
