The evaluation of electric energy consumption in the Brazilian residential sector: A technological improvement proposal in order to increase its efficiency

In light of Brazil's socio-economic development in the last 20 years, the population has greater access to consumer goods, hence impacting the escalating growth in electricity demand, thereby resulting in the need for substantial investments in electricity generation and transmission. In contrast, government institutions have not taken effective measures to increase the energy efficiency of the most impactful energy-consuming appliances, which would reduce the need for energy investments. Through econometric models, Brazil's residential electricity consumption was projected up to 2030 and it is predicted that results can be achieved if through tax exemption, the government can promote the use of more energy-efficient technologies. Through an economic and financial evaluation, our study analyzes the potential effects of a decrease in tax revenues for the State in light of lower investment needs in energy generation and distribution. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.