Household Energy Consumption Doubled Since 1972
The Energy Saving Trust has just released a report, The Rise of the Machines (4.83MB PDF), showing that between 1972 and 2002, electricity consumed by household domestic appliances doubled, and is anticipated to rise by a further 12% by 2010.
Electricity used by consumer electronics, currently totalling 16% of domestic electricity consumption, is predicted to double by 2010.
The same report shows some positive consumer demands:
- Better labelling - over half (57%) of consumers support a call for improved and expanded use of ‘energy saving recommended’ labeling to include consumer electronics, with a demand for ratings on everything from MP3 players to laptops to mobile phones
- Improved product standards for fitted appliances in new build homes - almost two thirds (60%) believe new build homes should have mandatory product standards for fitted appliances - with the report predicting that an extra 2 million homes will be built and equipped with energy using appliances by 2020, mandatory standards for products in new homes could reap significant energy savings
- Taxes on inefficient products - just under half (43%) are in favour of a tax on highly inefficient products such as patio heaters
- More advice and information - 62% of consumers say they need more information and advice about energy efficient products from both retailers and manufacturers.
The penultimate point there, tax paid by the consumers not business, is an interesting one.
Should the tax be a one off payment along with the purchase price, or will we have to declare energy usage in annual tax returns?