Modeling the Impact of Summer Temperatures on National Electricity Consumption

Abstract

National population-weighted weekly degree day totals, which have been used to model and assess temperature-related natural gas consumption, are compared with summertime electricity consumption. A very close relationship between national cooling degree days and electricity consumption is found. A multiple regression equation depicting the relationship is developed. This model can be used to assess the impact of current weather anomalies and projected weather or climate changes on electricity use, as well as the impact of various national conservation measures, directives, or laws on temperature-related electricity use.