Selected regions and world, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2014
Statistically, global electricity consumption per household has not changed significantly over the past 15 years. Between 2000 and 2014, improvements averaged 0.5% annually, although trends varied by region. In North America, Europe and the Pacific, electricity consumption per household rose between 2000 and 2010, followed by a decline in 2014, associated in part with improved energy efficiency. However, the structure of household electricity demand changed significantly. The power demand of “white goods” such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines dropped dramatically, between 40% and 70%. Average electricity consumption in North-America, Australia and Oceania and the Middle East is significantly higher than the global average. This is due to the high demand for electric air-conditioning, oversized refrigerators and electric heating and pumps for private swimming pools. Energy demand for lighting decreased rapidly over this period due to the introduction of LEDs. However, the amount of electricity saved is almost entirely offset by the increased number of communication and computer devices in use.
From the REN21 report "Renewables Global Futures Report: Great debates towards 100% renewable energy".