We present findings of a household energy-consumption survey conducted between September 1989 and June 1990 in three urban areas chosen to encompass wide variations in population size, levels of industrialization, climate conditions, and cultural practices. Nine hundred households were surveyed (300 in each of the cities) with respect to patterns of fuel use, fuel expenses, physico-socio-economic and environmental characteristics, and levels of appliance ownership. We found that household energy-consumption in these three Philippine cities is dominated by modem fuels, although traditional fuels still contribute a significant portion of total household-energy use. The shift toward more efficient, modem fuels has occurred gradually alongside expanding urbanization and household incomes. High costs inhibit a speedier transition to more efficient fuels and appliances. Analysis of past and current trends suggests that energy use in urban households in the Philippines will most likely rise over the next decade in light of expected population increases, economic growth and the global trend towards acquisition of more and larger appliances.