Energy Demand Elasticities in Industrialized Countries: A Survey

A high price elasticity for energy demand implies a long-term ability of the economy to absorb the impact of higher energy prices. Thus price shocks, after generating pronounced inflationary and recessionary effects over the short term, do not act as a constraint to economic growth over the longer term. By contrast, a low price elasticity implies weak reactions to increasing energy costs and a protracted adverse effect on output and inflation. Unfortunately, a survey of the literature on energy demand elasticities shows diverse results. Should econometric results be used for policymaking and planning, then a critical and eclectic attitude is imperative to screen out the most relevant aspects of the empirically determined price elasticities.