B of A said energy consumption will slow in 1985.

In its quarterly energy report, Bank of America predicted that industrial use of electricity will grow only 3% this year, compared to an 8.5% growth rate in 1984. Economist Jeanette Garretty attributed the slowdown primarily to a lower level of economic activity. The report said oil prices will average $27 a barrel this year, down $1 from last year’s average, and could fall even further if the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries fails to hold a lid on production.