On the economic analysis of problems in energy efficiency: Market barriers, market failures, and policy implications

摘要: In his recent paper in The Energy Journal, Ronald Sutherland argues that several so-called market barriers'' to energy efficiency frequently cited the literature are not failures conventional sense and thus irrelevant for policy. We argue has inadequately analyzed idea of barrier misrepresented policy implications microeconomics. find economic theory, correctly interpreted, does provide categorical dismissal barriers. explore important methodological issues underlying debate over barriers, discuss importance reconciling findings non-economic social sciences with analysis demand consumer decision-making. also scrutinize Sutherland's attempt apply finance theory rationalize high implicit discount rates observed energy-related choices, this use be inappropriate.