Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Most energy end uses such as space conditioning or water heating are apparently well-defined in what is included, and have terminology that derives from the professionals who work in the relevant field. The topic of miscellaneous consumption lacks such clarity for historical and practical reasons. As this end use grows in size and interest for the energy community, the confusion and ambiguity around the topic is an increasing barrier to progress. This paper provides definitions for key terms and concepts with the intent that that future work can be more correctly and consistently reported and interpreted. In addition, it provides a taxonomy of product types and categories, which covers both residential and commercial miscellaneous consumption. A key element is identification of "electronics" as a distinct energy end use. Finally, products are identified as to whether they commonly have a low-power mode, and product types that have such modes within the traditional end uses are also listed.