The American Energy Consumer

A seemingly endless supply of cheap energy, coupled with the products of a diverse and rapidly expanding technology, has led to a virtual explosion of U.S. energy consumption rates during the twentieth century. With amenities such as television and the private automobile a common denominator of American lifestyles, we use far more energy per capita than any other nation.

The authors of this study offer a broad view of energy lifestyles in America and show the correlations that exist between levels of energy usage and the socio-economic characteristics of individual households. Their data and analyses will provide a critical input in the design of energy policy alternatives that will ultimately affect the lifestyles of individual energy consumers.