Hysteresis and the Welfare Effect of Corrective Policies: Theory and Evidence from an Energy-Saving Program
41 Pages Posted: 30 Sep 2015 Last revised: 30 Aug 2019
There are 3 versions of this paper
Hysteresis and the Welfare Effect of Corrective Policies: Theory and Evidence from an Energy-Saving Program
Hysteresis and the Welfare Effect of Corrective Policies: Theory and Evidence from an Energy-Saving Program
Hysteresis and the Welfare Effect of Corrective Policies: Theory and Evidence from an Energy-Saving Program
Date Written: August 23, 2019
Abstract
This paper provides stark evidence of hysteresis -- the failure of an effect to reverse itself as its underlying cause is reversed -- in energy demand. We estimate that half of the 23%-reduction in residential electricity use caused by a 9-month-long policy that was imposed on millions of Brazilians has persisted for at least 12 years. We examine the implications of our finding by extending the traditional welfare analysis of corrective policies to allow for hysteresis. Our estimate highlights that failing to take hysteresis into account could severely bias the welfare evaluation of policies aimed at reducing (long-run) energy demand.
JEL Classification: D62, H23, Q50
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation