power consumption

Electricity Consumption

Electricity is a fundamental necessity in modern life, providing power for heating, cooling, and a variety of appliances, tools, and other devices. Unfortunately, our reliance on electricity also means that it can have a significant environmental impact, since electricity is often generated from burning fossils. Despite advances in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power, the majority of electricity is still generated from burning Coal, natural gas, and petroleum.

Consumption of electricity has steadily grown since the industrial revolution and continues to increase. In 2018, total worldwide electricity consumption was approximately 22,340 TWh (terawatts-hours), with China alone consuming 6,774 TWh or 30.3% of the total.1 Growing electricity needs can contribute to global warming and climate change, due to the release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. Electricity production is the single largest source of human-caused greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for 28% of global GHG emissions in 20182, and this is projected to rise further as electricity demand increases.

Consuming electricity more efficiently is one way to reduce GHG emissions associated with electricity use. The average worldwide electricity intensity (the amount of electricity used per unit of GDP) was 8.7 kWh/USD in 20183. This means that if electricity intensity can be reduced – that is, if increased economic output is not necessarily accompanied by an increase in energy consumption – then electricity use can be reduced and pollution from electricity generation can be mitigated.

There are several ways to reduce electricity consumption. For individuals, simply adjusting lights and appliances to turn off when not in use can help reduce energy consumption, as can installing energy-efficient lightbulbs and appliances. On a larger scale, buildings can be designed to maximize the use of natural light and ventilation, reducing the need for electricity-consuming lightbulbs and air conditioning. Renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal can also be used to reduce electricity needs and mitigate environmental impacts from fossil fuel electricity production.

Reducing electricity consumption is an important part of mitigating climate change, and there are many ways to do so. With careful planning and use of energy efficient technologies and renewable energy sources, our dependence on electricity can be reduced and the environmental impacts of electricity generation can be mitigated.

1 International Energy Association. (2020). “Key World Energy Statistics”. IEA. https://www.iea.org/reports/key-world-energy-statistics-2020

2 World Resources Institute. (2020). “Greenhouse Gas Emissions”. https://www.wri.org/resources/data-visualizations/greenhouse-gas-emissions

3 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2020). “Sustainable Energy for All: Global Tracking Framework”. https://www.unenvironment.org/fragments/global-tracking-framework-2020-energy-efficiency

In the developing world, electricity is an essential part of life, and concerns about its use and conservation are growing. The use of electricity in the household environment presents a variety of opportunities to reduce energy consumption through conservation and efficiency.

Simple steps such as turning off electrical appliances when not in use and unplugging them can save energy and money. The use of efficient appliances, especially in heating and cooling appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines, can lead to considerable savings in energy. Proper insulation of windows, walls and floors increases the efficiency of home heating and cooling and further reduces energy bills.

Using energy efficient lighting systems such as LED bulbs and CFLs can significantly reduce energy consumption. Additionally, programmable thermostats can be used to reduce energy use by automatically adjusting the air conditioning and heating in a home to minimize energy consumption during off-peak hours.

The use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy can also reduce energy consumption and save money. Investment in these technologies is increasingly being encouraged by governments as more efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional energy sources.

In conclusion, electricity use in the home is increasingly being looked at as an area of potential energy savings. Through energy conservation and efficient use of energy, significant savings can be achieved. Governments and industry are increasingly promoting the use of renewable energy resources, as well as the adoption of more efficient electrical appliances. Homeowners should make their best efforts to reduce their electricity use in order to achieve greater cost savings.