The Effect of Information and Communication Technology on Energy Consumption in the European Union Countries

Abstract

The effect of information and communication technology on energy consumption has become an important issue in recent years. However, in the existing literature the number of studies which analyze this issue empirically is very low. This study examines the influence of information and communication technology on electricity consumption in the European Union countries over the period 1990-2012. The results of the empirical analysis indicate that information and communication technology leads to an increase in electricity consumption in the European Union countries over the long-run.

Keywords: Information and communication technology, electricity consumption, European Union countries.

Jel Codes: C33, E21, O33, O52, Q43.