Energy consumption is a measure of the rate of energy use such as fuels or electricity. Essentially energy consumption seeks to quantify dynamic processes which create entropy. Typically rates of energy consumption are used to compare development between nations.

Energy policy can be used to change a nations energy consumption rate. For example, energy rationing may occur in times of war. Similarly the energy industry is often heavily subsidized and under taxed. These restraining legislative measures can quickly and easily influence rates of energy consumption.

Energy consumption can be measured over time for example an electrical appliance may draw 500 kilowatt hours. Running costs and expected life must be included to calculate the total running costs of an appliance. Energy consumption can be measured per kilogram, for example, when comparing the efficiency of a full washing machine load to a smaller one. Energy Star and the European Union energy label are energy labels system that allow buyers to easily make comparisons between appliances power consumption.

Vast amounts of energy are consumed to power modern civilizations. A number of theories have been supposed that suggest sociocultural evolution can be determined by evaluating a societies energy production and energy development technologies.

Energy intensity is the macroeconomic measure of energy consumption. Energy demand management aims to reduce energy consumption on the demand side during specific times, while energy conservation is the broader practise of taking actions to increase energy efficiency.

The USA consumes more energy than any other country and the country's Department of Defense is the largest energy consuming organization in the world.

See also

• Energy crisis
• Energy development (production, the opposite of consumption)
• Energy quality
• Food energy
• Kardashev scale
• Olduvai theory
• Soft energy path
• White's law

References

• Australian Consumers Association. 1991. The Energy Guide. Australian Government Publishing Service. ISBN 0644125625

Energy development | Introductory physics | Measurement

Energieverbrauch