Resumo:
In this paper is studied the relationship between the residential consumption of energy and the
quality of life for Brazilian conditions in the period between 1970 and 2005. As indicators of
quality of life were used three different indices: Human Development Indexes (HDI),
Childhood Index (RDI) and Family Index (IFD). The energy demands for the residential
sector were broken down into its components (electricity, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and
firewood), calculated in terms of useful energy. For electricity and LPG, there was a positive
correlation, while for firewood there was a negative correlation. During the period evaluated
occurred contexts of contraction of the energy demand per capita, however did not showing
correspondent reductions in the quality of life, indicating the opportunity to promote the
rational use of energy without loss of quality of life. They were analyzed energy policies
aimed at federal level for the residential sector, particularly the programs of rural
electrification, the subsidized rates to low levels of consumption and the “Auxilio-Gás”, then
incorporated the “Bolsa-família”, allowing determine the benefit associated with these
policies to quality of life of the Brazilian population. It is concluded that the increases in
residential consumption of useful energy, as well as energy policies made by the federal
government in recent times have contributed to the improvement of the quality of life of the
people, especially the low-income, in Brazil since 1970 to 2005.
