The paper analyses the energy consumption trends and the progress achieved in energy efficiency and its potential in Poland at the level of the whole economy and by sector. The relevant fundamental facts are provided. The average growth of GDP per year amounted 4,29% during 1992-2002. The private consumption of households was steadily growing over all the period 1992-2002 achieving of growth of 4,84%/year. In industry recession was observed starting 2000. Total primary and final energy consumption have got decreasing trends over 1996-2002. Since 1996, the final and primary energy intensities have decreased - 6,13%/year and - 6,15%/year respectively. Taking into account the period since 1993 energy intensities have decreased - 5,84%/year and - 5,46%/year respectively contrary to the previous period 1990-1993 when the final energy intensity were increasing 1,75%/year and primary energy intensity reached the same values in 1990 and 1993. Positive trends are being observed in main economy sectors as industry and households. The final energy consumption by sectors reflects the changes and trends in national economy. Restructuring of industry affected the energy consumption reduction, which was also accompanied by energy saving measures in companies. The development of road transport and services influenced of increase energy consumption of these sectors. The households experienced the activities as thermo-modernisation, improving efficiencies of heating systems and totally obtained of almost 20% reduction of its energy consumption during 1995-2002. Agriculture increased energy demand being generally more penetrated of technologies and facilities improving cultivation and other relevant processes. Comparison with West European Countries shows still existing huge potential of energy efficiency improvements. The existing barriers should be overcome by deployment of many instruments: legislative, financial-economic, information and awareness campaign, voluntary agreements.