Okay, both articles state 12 times, not 20 times.
House is four times as large as the average house
Used as a full time office residence. No turning things down or up during the day. Also increased demand due to office type equipment.
They probably entertain more than the average couple.
Increased security requirements by Secret Service. Cameras, alarms, and probably increased night lighting.
Is the pool heated? If so and also for normal workouts of which I am sure the mansion has a workout room, does an ex public figure deserve the privacy of being able to work out without facing the gawking of onlookers or tourists who visit the YMCA just to catch a glimpse.
Bush built his home. Gore bought an existing. Is is irresponsible to buy an existing home rather than consume raw materials to build a new one. Also, I am presently building a home. I planned geothermal climate control. I found that those big electric water pumps consume more electricity than the newest efficency requirement standards heat pumps.
Though I am no fan of Gore, I can see four times due to size. Increase that two fold due to office and full day time time residency, and on up to three time with the SS, increased privacy desires, and other requirements. No big deal. I am sure Bushes usage will go up substantially when it becomes a full time residency, which I doubt it ever will.
Or are you saying that ex-govt officials should live in average size homes. Or that I should feel guilty because I have 4400sf just for myself.