[Frank Lee]

Electricity consumption in Minnesota has nearly doubled since 1980, according to data from the state's department of commerce. Wisconsin has seen its energy use grow 2 percent annually during the past decade; in 2005, residential energy use increased 3 percent, while commercial use grew more than 5 percent. South Dakota's energy demand and use are projected to grow 1-2 percent annually during the next 10-15 years. And in North Dakota, electricity consumption increased 3 percent annually from 1980 to 2005.

Our electricity demand has risen in proportion both to the growing number of electronic items and appliances we depend on and to the increasing size of our homes. For example, in 2007, the average household had 25 consumer electronic products, such as computers, DVD players, video game consoles, cordless phones, digital cameras and high-definition televisions; in 1975, the average household had less than two (Consumer Electronics Association). The average single-family home in the Midwest is nearly 45 percent larger today than it was in 1980 (2008 Buildings Energy Data Book).

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