Evaluation of measures for conserving energy

Book · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1975

OSTI ID:7353488

Morris, D N

Energy forecasting models are useful in making effective policy decisions that will encourage changes in consumer behavior through advisory, incentive, or regulatory channels. A study of primary energy sources and end use consumption was applied to residential households and personal transportation, in which individual consumers are the major users. Space and water heating, which account for 82% of residential energy consumption, should be the principal target for household conservation. With major fuel types concentrated, fuel type conservation efforts must be regional. Income and energy price changes in the use and design of appliances as equipment is replaced and new houses built. Short range conservation effects will occur as people respond to higher energy prices by using less energy. With the private automobile using 25% of petroleum consumed in the U.S., models were used to estimate effects of design changes on costs, emissions, and fuel consumption. Weight is the major factor, and the consumer can choose to give it up in trunk space, engine size, comfort, etc. Conservation efforts can include incentives for public transport and carpools, additional gas taxes, and legislation to set fuel economy standards. Model results indicated a 15 cent tax increase could reduce gas consumption up to 20% as a result of fewer cars, fewer miles driven, improved efficiency of engines, and people living closer to work and shopping. Modeling techniques and parameters are illustrated in 22 figures. (DCK)

• Research Organization: Rand Corp., 1700 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90406
• OSTI ID: 7353488
• Report Number(s): P-5477
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
291000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Conservation
298000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Consumption & Utilization
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320101 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Residential Buildings-- (-1987)
320203 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Transportation-- Land & Roadway
APPLIANCES
AUTOMOBILES
BUILDINGS
CHARGES
ECONOMETRICS
ECONOMICS
ELECTRIC APPLIANCES
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY MODELS
ENERGY POLICY
FORECASTING
FUELS
GAS APPLIANCES
GASOLINE
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
HEATERS
HEATING
HOUSES
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
SPACE HEATING
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
VEHICLES
WATER HEATERS