Residential Energy: Still On The Rise Even With New Measures
Residential energy accounts for a large portion of domestic power and oil consumption. Statistic show that for the past 40 years, residential power consumption has risen by 20% and may continue to rise. The government has done certain measures to curb such a steady rise in residential energy but efforts by energy related agencies have not made an impact on decreasing residential energy consumption. It may take more than government efforts to check the steady rise in home electricity usage. It may involve being at the home level and working from there, to get a positive result on energy savings.
Population Growth and Demographics Affect Consumption
Population growth and demographics play a vital role in residential energy consumption. The increase in population will mean that more homes will be constructed and they all need power and electricity. The trend of single individuals living alone is a demographic trend that also means more people have individual dwelling places and they all use electricity. Consumption is affected by these two important factors. Even with the best efforts by the government, there will be little effect due to the fact that population growth and demographics have virtually wipe out their effort.
Greener Homes Have Had Little Effect
One government effort that they believe would help the crusade for lower home electricity consumption is the building of greener homes. Greener homes are designed to be insulated and energy efficient. In principle they are supposed to bring down electricity consumption and if you play by numbers, it should do its job. They do not need much airconditioning during the hot months and need little energy to keep warm because of good insulation. In conclusion, the individual home electricity consumption should be lesser. However, due to certain factors like population growth and demographic trends, the reduction in energy use is never felt as of the present time.
Residential Energy Efficiency May Solve the Issue
To reduce electricity, the government must go to the residential energy level. Methods and procedures must be designed and implemented on such a level. Otherwise, the electricity consumption will continue to rise. Domestic electricity users must be instructed about what home appliance to use in order to conserve electricity. Tips must also be given about when not to overload the power grid. Overloading the grid through more energy consumption will worsen the power situation. The grid has to work double time to provide for power and this will mean more consumption.
Home energy and home energy consumption will continue to rise even with concentrated government efforts. To come up with a workable solution, the government may have to intervene to the home level, giving advice on consumers on what types of electrical appliance to use. They can give a corresponding consumption equivalent to warn the consumer. Home energy consumption can be checked if home are installed with renewal energy sources like solar panels and wind energy converters. If this can be implemented, the small homes can be independent from the power provider on days when renewable energy is at its peak.