Analysis of Trends in Residential Energy Consumption

GAO analyzed the underlying trends in U.S. residential energy use in terms of the physical factors which determine that use. Estimates of future consumption were made on the basis of maintaining current levels of service, with some additional services included because recent trends suggest that they are likely to be demanded. The estimate of trends in U.S. residential energy use in the study were an attempt to provide a reasonable and prudent basis for national energy planning and comparative analyses of individual policies and programs affecting future residential energy use in the United States. A set of scenarios indicates the effects of alternative trends, policies, or programs. This approach is intended to describe the basic physical and technical factors which would underlie econometric descriptions.