Journal Facts

Journal
Journal of Environmental Systems
ISSN
0047-2433 (print) 1541-3802 (electronic)
Volume
9
Issue
1
Date
1/1/1979

Article Facts

Title
A Regional Analysis of Residential Energy Conservation Programs
DOI
10.2190/JQ13-P5C0-WRJM-BU5E
Authors
  • James B. Kurish
  • Eric Hirst
Pages
67-87
Online Date
05/09/2002

Article Links

A Regional Analysis of Residential Energy Conservation Programs

James B. Kurish
Eric Hirst

DOI: 10.2190/JQ13-P5C0-WRJM-BU5E

Abstract

This paper evaluates the energy and direct economic effects of implementing various residential energy conservation programs in each of the ten Federal regions. The programs considered are those proposed in the National Energy Plan: appliance efficiency targets, thermal standards for construction of new residences, and weatherization of existing housing units. Implementation of these programs might cut cumulative (1977-2000) national residential energy use by 41 QBtu. Relative energy savings are highest in regions 7 and 8 (11 and 10% respectively, of their baselines) and smallest in region 9 (7%). The net economic benefit to the nation's households of these three federal programs is $21 billion. Benefits exceed costs in each region; the benefit/cost ratio ranges from a low of 1.4 in region 10 to a high of 2.0 in region 6.

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