FLAT U.S. ENERGY USE IS EFFICIENCY'S SUCCESS

Flattening of per-capita residential energy consumption reflects multiple factors
October 21, 2011 (Energy Information Administration)

"Per capita residential energy consumption in the United States remained generally flat since the 1973 Arab oil embargo. Several factors contribute to this trend. Geographic shifts in the U.S. population towards warmer and drier climates partially countered a long-term shift towards larger homes, which require more energy to heat, cool, and light.

"…Federal and State legislation mandate minimum energy efficiency standards for several types of household appliances, offsetting greater energy use from an increasing number of electronic devices and appliances…[and other played] a role in per-capita energy consumption."

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"Technological advances have led to an increasing number of electronic devices such as personal computers and televisions and household appliances including central air conditioners and microwaves…

"…Federal and State legislation (starting with the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987) mandate minimum energy efficiency standards for…appliances such as furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters, refrigerators, and freezers. While there is no Federal building energy code, several State and local governments have established standards for the efficiency of new residential buildings."