| Abstrakt: |
One of the most important issues facing all states and counties is the availability of reliable, affordable, and clean energy. To be prepared for the future accentuation of this topic, energy providers around the country have developed plans to reduce per capita electricity consumption. For example, Maryland has set a government goal to reduce its energy consumption by 15% by 2015 (Woolf, 2008). In Duval County in North-Eastern Florida, Company X (Co X) dedicates big parts of their PR to help consumers reduce their electricity bills. Reducing electricity consumption not only helps consumers, but also is strategically important for Co X. Avoidance of major investments into a new energy plant helps Co X to keep their energy prices low and remain competitive. In addition to the consumers and Co X, the environment benefits from savings in electrical energy. This paper examines main economic and environmental factors that drive electrical energy consumption by using Co X's data in a regression analysis. Specifically, unemployment rates and Heating-/Cooling Degrees-Days are identified as the key influential components. From this result, conclusions regarding counter measures to reduce energy consumption are derived. Furthermore, recommendations reaching beyond physical- and into psychological spheres may guide advanced research and activities in the electrical energy sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
