Energy efficiency and household electric appliances in developing and newly industrialized countries

This report presents data and analysis concerning household electric appliances in developing countries. Electricity demand for household appliances is an important source of growth in peak electricity demand in many countries. The authors illustrate how diffusion of appliances is growing rapidly in many countries, and describe basic characteristics of appliances, including their energy efficiency. They present evidence that energy efficiency of new appliances is typically very low relative to average technology levels in the industrialized countries. They discuss technical options for improving appliance efficiency, and show that improving appliance efficiency is likely to be very beneficial for developing countries. They discuss how the appliance market and the appliance industry affect the level of efficiency that is incorporated in new appliances, and conclude that significant improvement in appliance efficiency is unlikely to occur in most countries without government involvement. They discuss strategies for improving appliance efficiency, and conclude that working with appliance manufacturers is likely to yield faster and larger results than providing incentives for consumers. Establishment of testing programs for key appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners is an important first step for assessing the energy efficiency of new appliances and measuring progress in increasing efficiency. 31 refs., 3more » figs., 16 tabs.« less