The US Energy Consumption Story: Americans Are Better Off Today

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports, (emphasis mine)

While most home appliances have become more efficient over the past 30 years, the average U.S. household uses many more consumer electronics —in particular, personal computers, televisions and related devices, according to data released today by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) in the latest update to its Residential Energy Consumption Survey.

EIA on Household Devices

US households have increasingly been using more luxury items and convenience related devices than in the past.

Appliances and Electronic devices accounted for 31% of energy use in 2005 than in 1978 where energy use accounted for 17%. Moreover, air conditioning and water heating likewise reveal of the same story where energy use has materially increased today (8% for aircon and 20% for water heating), than in the past (3% and 14%).

EIA on Energy Intensity

And since energy intensity has been materially declining, this translates to even more intensive use of these devises.

This also is a great example of the Jevon’s paradox at work, which according to Wikipedia.org is the proposition that technological progress that increases the efficiency with which a resource is used tends to increase (rather than decrease) the rate of consumption of that resource.

Wikipedia.org on Jevon’s Paradox

Bottom line: Compared to the views of the permabears, gains from increased fuel efficiency and technological progress (brought about by capitalism) highlight the fact that American living standards have vastly improved over the past years, despite the stagflation, recessions and financial crisis.