This paper investigates the patterns of electricity intensity, electricity intensity curves and electricity intensity factors for New Zealand, as well as for selected countries and various regions of the world. The period chosen is that from 1980 to the present, before and through the period of recent electricity reforms, restructuring and de-regulation. In general the patterns over time are smooth regardless of the size of the society under consideration. They appear uninfluenced by the adoption of regulatory or market type economies and their promotion through political direction. The link between economic performance and electricity consumption is stronger in developing countries than for industrialized countries.