We use more energy each year than we used the previous year. In fact, during the 20th century, the amount of energy our nation uses has doubled about every 20 years. We used twice as much energy in 1955 as in 1935 and nearly twice as much in 1980 as in 1960. The rates of increase in our energy consumption have slowed somewhat, but we continue to use more and more energy.

Energy conservation—the wise and efficient use of energy—was not thought of before the energy crisis of the 1970s. When a shortfall in imported oil shipments and a dramatic rise in oil prices caused energy costs to skyrocket, we became concerned about saving energy. 

Today, energy costs have stabilized and the economy is stronger, but we still need to think about and practice energy conservation. Not only does energy conservation save us money on our energy bills now, it saves us (and consumers in the future) money in the long run by making our irreplaceable energy resources last longer.

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Terms

Appliance: an instrument or device designed for household use especially operated by electricity.

Conservation: the wise and efficient use of resources (e.g., energy resources).

Energy: the ability to do work.

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