The book describes a process of total energy in which energy consumption is broken down into user types, then added together to make a total. how is the idea of net energy represented? a) it represents the total energy used per household minus the total amount paid to the power company. b) it represents the energy that can be cogenerated at power plants when waste heat is collected and used. c) it equates to measuring energy efficiency, where the energy required at each step and conversion is taken into account. d) it is equivalent to the energy that can be captured by grated tidal turbines.

I did not know the book you are talking about, but I will answer this question based on the knowledge of total and net amounts.
The correct option is A.
This question is testing your understanding of the difference between total amount and net amount.
The total energy, as described in the question, refers to the sum total of all the energy that were consumed by the users. Note that, a net amount refers to the amount that remains after the necessary deductions has been made from the total. So, in this case, the net energy is the energy obtained after the total amount paid to the power company has been subtracted.
Net amount = Total minus necessary deductions.