We’ve come a long way since the days of analog thermostats and energy-hungry water heaters. From hand-me-down appliances to today’s smart homes, energy through the decades continues to evolve from one generation to the next.
But how different are your energy choices from your parents’? And what can we learn from the past to build a more energy-efficient future?
At UGI EnergyLink, we believe combining yesterday’s energy-saving habits with today’s technology can help you save money on your bill. Let’s take a look back and see how energy use has changed over the decades.
The 1950s–1960s: Powering the American Dream
During the post-war boom of the 1950s and 1960s, energy was relatively inexpensive, and optimism was high. Suburbs were expanding, and with them came bigger homes, more appliances, and a growing electricity demand.
Kitchens buzzed with electronics, such as toasters and early dishwashers, while coal and oil dominated home heating. Air conditioning was a luxury, not a standard, and energy efficiency wasn’t part of the conversation yet.
Nuclear energy emerged as a futuristic solution, with the first commercial nuclear power plant opening in Shippingport, Pennsylvania, in 1957. The decade also saw major federal investments in infrastructure, laying the groundwork for America’s expanding electric grid.
Back then, families gathered around a single TV, shared appliances, and made the most of what they had. The 1950s and 1960s remind us that less can still be plenty. Simplifying your energy use by powering down unused devices can lead to big savings without sacrificing comfort.
The 1970s–1980s: Laying the Groundwork for U.S. Energy Policy
In the 1970s and 1980s, energy use looked a little different—starting with that avocado-green refrigerator that never quite shut properly.
The year 1977 marked the start of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), which combined several previously existing organizations, departments, and agencies. This unification marked an important step toward creating a centralized, coordinated national energy policy.
Insulation was minimal, single-pane windows were the norm, and heating systems often worked overtime to maintain tolerable home temperatures. Central air conditioning wasn’t widespread, so box fans were household staples.
Households ran fewer electronics, but the appliances they did have—like washers, dryers, and water heaters—used significantly more energy than today’s models.
While technology has come a long way, several lessons still ring true: being conscious of your energy use is a great way to save. Turning off lights, unplugging unused appliances, and layering up instead of cranking the heat are still great habits to keep.
The 1990s–2000s: The Rise of Convenience and Plugged-In Living
By the 1990s and early 2000s, many homes became more comfortable, and thus, more energy-intensive. Families embraced central air, microwaves, desktop computers, and entertainment systems with a tangle of cords and power strips.
It was a decade of convenience, but with that came a lot more energy use. Few people worried (or knew) about “phantom loads,” energy used by devices when they’re turned off but still plugged in. Leaving the TV on as background noise or letting the computer run all night? Totally normal.
In 1992, the U.S. passed the Energy Policy Act, a major turning point that promoted energy efficiency and supported alternative fuels. It laid the groundwork for smarter energy use at home, an effort we still benefit from today.
Back then, turning off the power strip before bed was the go-to move for the energy-conscious. Today, smart plugs and timers can do the same job automatically, giving you modern convenience with a retro-inspired payoff.
Today: Smarter, Greener, and More Intentional
Fast forward to today, and energy habits are more intentional than ever. Younger generations are more environmentally conscious and tech-savvy, prioritizing sustainability and efficiency in ways that weren’t as accessible or top-of-mind in previous decades.
Working from home has shifted daytime energy use upward, but people are also investing in better insulation, LED lighting, solar panels, and smarter heating and cooling systems to offset those costs.
Bridging Generations: Smarter Energy Habits for Today
While earlier generations didn’t have smart thermostats or real-time usage data, they mastered simple, effective habits that still work today!
The smartest energy strategy? Blend timeless habits with modern technology. Energy through the decades has taught us that whether you’re saving cents or hundreds, the goal remains the same: a comfortable, cost-effective home.
The Future of Energy Is Today
At UGI EnergyLink, we’re here to help every generation find more ways to save. We’ve seen energy through the decades, and we know what works. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner, helping your parents upgrade their system, or just trying to get through winter without a sky-high heating bill, we’ve got the energy solutions for you.
Ready to bring your energy habits into the future? You don’t have to wait until the next decade; contact us today!