Why Electricity Usage Continues to Rise Even in Tough Times

How many of us can remember when the fiftieth star was added to the American flag? There are some older individuals who have accumulated years of wisdom that may recall this era. It actually dates back to 1960. The decade of president John Kennedy and the promise of space travel and exploration. Most of us don't remember, but electrical utilities do. Their records obviously date back as far as they have produced electricity for home and business use. It is estimated that utilities now produce and provide nearly seven times as much electricity as they did in 1960. Of all the changes that have taken place throughout the world, innovation of luxury and convenience products are very predominant. It is estimated that homeowners four times as much electricity per household as they did in 1960. Where is all the power going? In times when greenhouse gas and global warming are a part of everyday conversation, shouldn't electricity usage be declining? Even with a sluggish economy, it is not surprising that electric utilities continue to be in high demand.

The difference is most definitely found in the quality of human life. The television set is a fine example. Decades ago, the television set was located in the living room, or TV room, as it was called in many cases. A centralized location where families sat together and marveled at this amazing box of picture and sound. The differences today are many. Televisions can be as much as five times larger than the television sets of old. Flat screens, in many cases, are anything but energy efficient. The televisions are now located in bedrooms, family rooms, the kitchen, sometimes the patio, and of course in the living room. Some reports indicate that the average home actually has more television sets than people. The TV's obviously require electricity to operate and this is just one of the many reasons for increased electrical usage. Air conditioning is another energy hog. Although not very popular, window air conditioners for home use were available all the way back to the 1940's. Fast forward to today, they have become an household appliance in most residences and businesses. The days of air conditioning as a luxury have long passed. Cost effective production of home air conditioners have made it possible for the average homeowner to cool their home or apartment all summer long, at a price of course. The air conditioner has become yet another electrically powered household appliance. The home computer, the answering machine, the stereo system, the spa, the landscape lighting, the swimming pool filter, and so many other devices and appliances all add to the ever growing demand placed on the world's electricity suppliers. Combine all these electrically powered conveniences with the increased size of today's houses, office buildings, and industrial manufacturing plants and you've got a recipe for hundreds of billions of kilowatt hours of electricity being consumed annually.

Although it is highly unlikely that the world will ever reduce their overall consumption of electricity, we can reduce our own personal consumption. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Purchasing of energy-efficient appliances is always a smart choice. The world benefits from the reduction of greenhouse gases and the consumer benefits from reduced energy bills. Our living habits can be adjusted as well. Do we all need to watch television in our own rooms? Do we need to watch television at all? How about the spa heater, does it really need to be 102 degrees? Does the air conditioner really need to be on medium or high while the family is at work or school? Advances in energy-efficient lighting are also an option for every household to consider. Conservation of electricity is a win-win situation. Having the presence of mind to control personal usage, even in this day and age with all the modern conveniences, can regulate and possibly alleviate the world's ever-growing demand for electricity.