Will LED and CFL Lighting Lead to More Energy Use?

Published Wed, 2010-09-08 18:17

 

Interesting article that hypothesizes the following:

 

"...if technology makes the consumption of a resource significantly more
efficient, then more of the resource, not less, will be used."

 

This hypothesis is called Jevon's Paradox. It dates back to England when coal-fired steam engines were being introduced.  This new technology led to more coal actually being used overall although each engine consumed less itself.  Hmm.  What does this mean for our overall use of electricity and other natural resources?  Is it possible that by each of us being more energy-conscious that we will end up using more energy in the long run?