Title:
Energy Efficiency and Conservation: A Paradox
Energy Efficiency and Conservation: A Paradox
Author(s)
Kehoe, Shannon
Yutko, Heather
Yutko, Heather
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Abstract
The main objective of energy and climate policy in recent
years has been to reduce energy usage, often by encouraging the increased
energy efficiency of existing technologies. Some economists, however,
postulate that increased technology efficiency actually leads to greater
energy consumption. Such an outcome is predicted by the scenario known as
Jevons’ Paradox. Our study examines the possible effects of Jevons’ Paradox at the microeconomic level via a multiple linear regression analysis
to determine whether or not the increased usage of Energy Star appliances - a
class of high-efficiency appliances approved by the U.S. government - leads to an increase or decrease in energy consumption per household. We then use our results to assess the effectiveness of the Energy Star program in
decreasing energy consumption.
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Date Issued
2015-04
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Text
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Undergraduate Research Paper