In Canada electricity use per capita has actually decreased. The increase in electricity consumption generally has been attributed to population increase. IMO, the best way to curb consumption is to install devices so that each paying consumer can monitor usage on a minute-by-minute basis via an internet connection. In Toronto we're moving toward a city-wide power grid wi-fi network so this might be possible in the future. Customers could switch devices on and off in their homes and immediately see the effect on the kilowatts being consumed, and the effect on their current bill.

Rate bracketing can be implemented, charging customers rate 'A' for fair consumption in accordance with expected supply during a specific time period, for example during the day, and charge customers rate 'B' for any amount in excess of fair consumption. Rate 'B' could be exorbitant and help pay for expanded supply. As long as people can monitor their own usage in real time I think this would be a very fair system, and could lead to reductions in consumption via changes in usage habits. For example, if people discover that their washing machine uses alot of power, they might choose to do their laundry during off-peak hours. This would put less strain on the grid and also reduce people's utility bills.

But the system has to be in place to monitor usage. I for example, have no idea what my current consumption is, at this very minute. I would like to know.