Demand curves do indeed slope downward

Case in point (from the Peoria Journal-Star)

By a unanimous vote this week, the [Deer Creek, IL] Village Board decided to ask AmerenCILCO to remove 18 street lights and poles. It is part of an effort to combat rising electric costs.

"When your bill almost triples in a month, you have to figure out what you can do," Village Clerk Lori Lewis said.

Deer Creek is a small town a couple hours from here. This reduces the number of streetlights in the town from 51 to 33. People respond to incentives.