The Perverse Impact of Calling for Energy Conservation

J Holladay, Michael Price and Marianne Wanamaker ()

No 20706, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: In periods of high energy demand, utilities frequently issue "emergency" appeals for conservation over peak hours to reduce brownout risk. We estimate the impact of such appeals using high-frequency data on actual and forecasted electricity generation, pollutant emission measures, and real-time prices. Our results suggest a perverse impact; while there is no significant reduction in grid stress over superpeak hours, such calls lead to increased off -peak generation, CO2 emissions, and price volatility. We postulate that consumer attempts at load shifting lead to this result.

JEL-codes: D04 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014-11
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ene, nep-env and nep-reg
Note: EEE
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

Published as Holladay, J. Scott & Price, Michael K. & Wanamaker, Marianne, 2015. "The perverse impact of calling for energy conservation," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 1-18.

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Related works:
Journal Article: The perverse impact of calling for energy conservation (2015)
Working Paper: The Perverse Impact of Calling for Energy Conservation (2014)
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