Four Revolutions

In a 1990 article, Amory Lovins predicted that four “revolutions” in electric efficiency would greatly accelerate the conservation of electricity. The revolutions were:

1. Technical Progress. For example, better light bulbs.

2. Markets for “negawatts.” Negawatts are watts of electricity not used.

3. Cultural change inside utilities. For example, learning that conservation is profitable.

4. Reforms in regulatory philosophy and practice. In particular, “decoupling” profits from increased sales.