U.S. household energy consumption and intensity trends: A decomposition approach

Concerns over impacts from U.S. energy use on the environment, the economy and the national security warrant an understanding of the key drivers of energy consumption. This paper focuses on decomposing U.S. household energy consumption changes into several factors that have affected its growth. The interval analyzed is based on household surveys conducted by the U.S. Energy Information Administration from 1980 through 2005. Drivers of total household energy consumption, total household electricity consumption and natural gas use for space heating are analyzed and contrasted. While not definitive, sub-period analyses split at 1990, show greater reductions in energy intensity in the later sub-period and provide prima fascia evidence of the efficacy of U.S. efforts to promote energy efficiency through various standards and programs.