'Rebound' effects from increased energy efficiency: a time to pause and reflect

Karen Turner

No 2012-15, Stirling Economics Discussion Papers from University of Stirling, Division of Economics

Abstract: The phenomenon of rebound effects has sparked considerable academic, policy and press debate over the effectiveness of energy efficiency policy in recent years. There has been a huge surge in empirical studies claiming rebound effects of hugely varying magnitudes. The contention of this paper is that the lack of consensus in the literature is grounded in a rush to empirical estimation in the absence of solid analytical foundations. Focus on measuring a single 'rebound' measure has led to a neglect of detail on precisely what type of change in energy use is considered in any one study and on the range of mechanisms governing the economy-wide response. This paper attempts to bring a reflective pause to the development of the rebound literature, with a view to identifying the key issues that policymakers need to understand and analysts need to focus their attention on.

Keywords: Energy efficiency; Rebound; Energy demand; Energy supply (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012-07
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ene
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http://hdl.handle.net/1893/8950

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Journal Article: "Rebound" Effects from Increased Energy Efficiency: A Time to Pause and Reflect (2013)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:stl:stledp:2012-15

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