Regional energy demand and adaptations to climate change: Methodology and application to the state of Maryland, USA

Matthias Ruth*, Ai Chen Lin

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper explores potential impacts of climate change on natural gas, electricity and heating oil use by the residential and commercial sectors in the state of Maryland, USA. Time series analysis is used to quantify historical temperature-energy demand relationships. A dynamic computer model uses those relationships to simulate future energy demand under a range of energy prices, temperatures and other drivers. The results indicate that climate exerts a comparably small signal on future energy demand, but that the combined climate and non-climate-induced changes in energy demand may pose significant challenges to policy and investment decisions in the state.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2820-2833
Number of pages14
JournalEnergy policy
Volume34
Issue number17
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2006

Keywords

  • Climate change
  • Commercial energy demand
  • Residential energy demand

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