Electricity end-use efficiency

Abstract

Abstract The demand for electricity is generally growing faster than that for other energy carriers in industrialized countries. Rising concern about the environmental impact of energy production and use, as well as about the costs of increasing electricity consumption, are fuelling interest in opportunities for slowing demand growth by improving end-use efficiency. An assessment of historical developments and currently available end-use technologies in the electricity sector of IEA member countries reveals considerable scope for further improvement. This potential gain can only be achieved, however, through vigorous and concerted action on the part of consumers, governments and electric utilities. These initiatives include demand-side management strategies and measures which have been receiving increasing attention in recent years.