[20010730]RS20981_能效和反弹效应：提高效率会减少需求吗？.pdf

1 see K. Strassel, Conservation wastes money, Wall Street Journal, May 17, 2001, Eastern Edition,p. A26; F. Pearce, Consuming myths, New Scientist, September 5, 1998, p. 18-19; and J.Glassman, The conservation myth as the latest (sub)urban legend,http:/www.TechCentralS Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20981July 30, 2001Energy Efficiency and the Rebound Effect:Does Increasing Efficiency DecreaseDemand? nae redactedScience and Technology AnalystResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryIntuitively it seems obvious to most observers that increasing energy efficiency willultimately reduce demand for an energy resource such as electricity. Paradoxically,economic theory suggests that this decrease in demand and subsequent decrease in costof using the resource could cause a rebound in demand. A commonly cited example isan increase in the efficiency of home air conditioning which may reduce the residentsmonetary incentive to conserve. The resident may opt to change the thermostat settingto keep the amount he pays constant, but living at a more comfortable temperature.When actually measured this “Rebound Effect” is