Energy rationing primarily involves measures that are designed to force energy conservation as an alternative to
in
. Because of its economic consequences, energy rationing is used as method of last resort, often at times of emergency such as during an
energy crisis.
Forms
Examples of energy
rationing include fuel rationing and the use of ration books or
to restrict personal consumption. Energy rationing may include penalties such as
fee and disconnection from electrical supply for those who choose not to reduce their demand voluntarily.
Load shedding is a common form of energy rationing used when electricity markets cannot keep up to demand, particularly peak demand. Limited electrical supply from at times of drought or after infrastructure is damaged, can lead authorities to implement rationing. Brazil was forced to implement energy rationing due to drought in 2001.
Tradable Energy Quotas is an energy rationing system designed to enable nations to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases along with their use of oil, gas and coal, and to ensure fair access to energy for all.
Issues
One issue with energy rationing is the cost of setting up rationing schemes. Another criticism is that energy rationing schemes are unworkable and face many practical problems including consumer lawsuits.
Due to the general disdain for restrictions that interfere with existing personal freedoms, such as
and
carbon rationing, energy rationing is not favoured by policy makers to mitigate global warming.
Peak oil
As oil becomes more scarce due to
oil depletion, countries that have reserve currencies will prefer to buy oil rather than ration it.
The Oil Depletion Protocol is form of energy rationing that was developed by
Richard Heinberg to ensure that price rationing does not price out poorer countries.
See also
