[RPKESQ]

OK, fair enough, my experience.

I reviewed the analysis the the power company (state owned) provided each year to plan how I would reduce my electrical consumption.

I instituted reasonable operational rules and guidelines for my household (what kind of heat to install, better insulation, shading, water heating options, types of air conditioning, types of washers and dryers, lease expensive use times vs need times, cost of upgrading or changing appliances, changing personal habits, etc).

From 2000 to 2004 I acheieved a 21% savings in my electrical bill and a 12 % increase in my natural gas bill. The cost is not the same for both, but it amounted to a net gain of 18% on my electrical.

In 2005 I installed triple pane windows and insulated my roof in most of my house. I also installed a heat pump and UV reflective materials on all window surfaces. I upgraded my clothes dryer and installed clotheslines in the attic with a solar powered ventilation fan. I also converted the pool into a natural pond so I use no heat for that (also no chemicals). Planted two Plane trees for additional shade on the South side of the house.

From 2005 till 2008 my savings have been 31% lower than my 2000 levels of consumption. This is a net gain (after taxes and upgrade expenses) of 620 Euros per year.

We do the laundry after 6 pm, we don't use a dishwasher, we shower when we want, we cook when we want (gas/electric) and we use CFC's in all lighting.

This works very well for us.

The French marvel? Education of the public, support for effiencency in products, a waste-not attitude ingrained into the population, easy to understand analysis from the power company (EDF), a rational nuclear program, long term planning, tax rebates for homeowner improvements.