Adolescents and electricity consumption; Investigating sociodemographic, economic, and behavioural influences on electricity consumption in households. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wallis, Hannah; Nachreiner, Malte; Matthies, Ellen
• Is Part Of: Energy policy. Volume 94(2016)
• Page Start: 224
• Page End: 234
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: Determinants of electricity consumption in households -- sociodemographic influences -- adolescents; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Politique énergétique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2016.03.046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4215

Abstract

Abstract: With respect to changes in the energy systems of many countries, electricity consumption in households is an important topic. Extensive research has investigated the various determinants of electricity consumption. However, insights into how specific sociodemographic, behavioural, and attitudinal determinants influence residential electricity consumption are still scarce. In this study, we used hierarchical regression analysis to systematically investigate these determinants (including household engagement in electricity saving) along with a wide range of other measures in a sample of German households (N=763). Special attention was given to households with adolescents and children by analysing the influence of the number of adolescents on electricity consumption in a path model. Our results indicate that sociodemographic influences can be explained by the purchasing and use behaviours of residents. Our findings also suggest that the use of behavioural information provides a more detailed picture of the conditions of electricity consumption and thus allows for more appropriate policy planning. Highlights: We examined causal drivers of sociodemographic influences on electricity consumption Sociodemographic influences can be explained by behaviour Influence of adolescents is mediated by their purchases of IT appliances It is necessary to also use behavioural information for policy planning