Energy efficiency mandates have ‘rebound effect’

WASHINGTON D.C. — The Institute for Energy Research released today a new study by IER Senior Fellow and Professor of Economics at Cal State University, Robert Michaels, detailing the ‘rebound effect’ of energy efficiency regulations. The report summarizes recent findings on ‘rebounds’ — the idea that the more efficient an appliance is, the more people will use it and thus negate the efficiency gains — and explores the global consequences of greater energy usage, particularly in the developing world.