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The Take-Back Effect--Fact or Fiction?


January 1, 1993

Research Report U933

Authors:

Steve Nadel

Description:

Economists and other analysts have postulated that savings from efficiency measures are reduced as consumers use some of the money they save to purchase increased comfort or to operate energy-consuming equipment more intensively. This paper reviews more than 40 energy efficiency program evaluations that address this issue and concludes that in most situations there is little or no take-back effect. Presented at the Energy Program Evaluation Conference.