The International Energy Agency (IEA) says that despite conservation efforts “electricity consumption is growing at nearly twice the rate estimated” in 2003. This and much other information on appliances is contained in an IEA report, Gadgets and Gigawatts that was released in May 2009.
Huge Growth in Appliances Forecast
The IEA predicts an enormous growth in the number of electrical appliances in use worldwide. “By 2010 there will be over 3.5 billion mobile phone subscribers, two billion TVs in use around the world, and one billion personal computers. Electronic devices are a growing part of our lives and many of us can count between 20 and 30 separate items in our homes, from major items like televisions to a host of small gadgets.”
All these gadgets mean an increase in the demand for electricity, much of which is generated by the burning of fossil fuels causing an increase in carbon dioxide emissions.
Standby Power Mode Needlessly Consumes Electricity
Large numbers of these electrical gizmos are consuming electricity even when they are not in use. Consumers have come to expect that when they switch on their television sets they get a picture almost immediately rather than having to wait for the device to warm up, as in the past. To have the instant-on feature, the TV set is fed a trickle of power constantly so that it is ready for action.
Reporting in The Globe and Mail (May 14, 2009) Shawn McCarthy put some numbers to this convenience factor: “All told, between five and 10 percent of electricity used in the average Canadian home is consumed by appliances and home electronics while the devices are on standby, Natural Resources Canada estimates.”
The power used in this way can be saved simply by unplugging the equipment. At the same time, manufacturers are being encouraged to design their devices to draw less power when in standby mode.
Efficiencies are Offset by Demand
There have been many improvements in the efficiency of electrical equipment. Manufacturers have improved the energy consumption of such guzzlers as refrigerators, dishwashers, and stoves.
However, consumers are now switching to bigger appliances and more complex and energy-hungry home entertainment systems. As the IEA points out: “Despite anticipated improvements in the efficiency of electronic devices, these savings are likely to be overshadowed by the rising demand for technology.”
The IEA says that strategies are available to deal with a good part of this problem; it requires governments to legislate greater energy efficiency and for consumers to become more conscious of the energy demands of the equipment they buy and use.
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