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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Historical perspective on electricity and energy use

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6207347
The growth in electricity use by various sectors of the economy is examined in terms of energy markets and market penetration rates. It is shown that the historical record can be expressed in these terms with reasonable accuracy and that electricity's success in capturing markets can be understood both in terms of its relative price trend and form value. The close relationship between total energy use and economic activity (as measured by GNP) began to break down around 1966 or soon thereafter. Particularly once energy prices increased, the effect of energy prices on energy demand became evident. From the historical data we deduce simple formulas for relating energy demand to GNP and prices, as well as electricity demand to energy. Speculations on the future growth in electricity demand based on these and other considerations are given.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Inc., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76OR00033
OSTI ID:
6207347
Report Number(s):
ORAU/IEA-83-3(M); ON: DE83009541
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English