California has invested billions of dollars in programs to reduce energy consumption, however, many have had negligible or opposite results, according to a recent study by the University of California–Los Angeles (UCLA).
The study found that most of California’s programs that subsidize the installation of energy-efficient appliances—like AC, washer and dryers, and light bulbs—have not resulted in much energy savings. Some have even led individuals to increase their energy consumption.
Stephanie Pinceti, co-author of the study, said people tend to have misconceptions about energy-saving appliances and think that increasing consumption will not impact their utility bills.
“People think they can increase consumption without increasing their bills, so they use more,” Pinceti said in a statement issued by UCLA.
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