IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/enepol/v36y2008i9p3521-3530.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Towards a bright future? Household use of electric light: A microlevel study

Author

Listed:
  • Bladh, Mats
  • Krantz, Helena

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of energy saving in the residential sector and its relation to behavior. However, we know little about the mechanisms explaining consumption and use. The aim is to explore the behavioral elements behind patterns of use, so that consumption can be explained and saving possibilities identified. The study is based on detailed, metered data from an ongoing monitoring study. A larger sample from that study made testing of two hypotheses possible. Yet, many factors remain hidden and must be traced among the habits of households. The major part of the article is devoted to an exploration into what other variables are at work. This was done by studying the electricity consumption of seven households closely. Here, different sources of information from each household were combined: detailed, metered data for each lamp or fixture; data from interviews regarding habits; and observations of natural light and lighting equipment at visits. This information from combined sources was used to detect meanings of use and relationships with consumption. What has been found here must be translated to measurable variables and tested on representative samples of populations. This study offers information on these variables identified and how to interpret them.

Suggested Citation

  • Bladh, Mats & Krantz, Helena, 2008. "Towards a bright future? Household use of electric light: A microlevel study," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(9), pages 3521-3530, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:36:y:2008:i:9:p:3521-3530
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301-4215(08)00286-3
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Martinot, Eric & Borg, Nils, 1998. "Energy-efficient lighting programs: Experience and lessons from eight countries," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 26(14), pages 1071-1081, December.
    2. Kumar, Arun & Jain, Sudhir K. & Bansal, N. K., 2003. "Disseminating energy-efficient technologies: a case study of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in India," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 31(3), pages 259-272, February.
    3. A. Greening, Lorna & Greene, David L. & Difiglio, Carmen, 2000. "Energy efficiency and consumption -- the rebound effect -- a survey," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 28(6-7), pages 389-401, June.
    4. Kempton, Willett & Layne, Linda L., 1994. "The consumer's energy analysis environment," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 22(10), pages 857-866, October.
    5. Wilhite, Harold & Nakagami, Hidetoshi & Masuda, Takashi & Yamaga, Yukiko & Haneda, Hiroshi, 1996. "A cross-cultural analysis of household energy use behaviour in Japan and Norway," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 24(9), pages 795-803, September.
    6. Kazakevicius, Eduardas & Gadgil, Ashok & Vorsatz, Diana, 1999. "Residential lighting in Lithuania," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 27(10), pages 603-611, October.
    7. Urge-Vorsatz, Diana & Hauff, Jochen, 2001. "Drivers of market transformation: analysis of the Hungarian lighting success story," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 29(10), pages 801-810, August.
    8. Tracey Crosbie & Simon Guy, 2008. "En'lightening' energy use: the co-evolution of household lighting practices," International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 9(2/3), pages 220-235.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Rosenberg, Eva, 2014. "Calculation method for electricity end-use for residential lighting," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 295-304.
    2. Palacios-Garcia, E.J. & Moreno-Munoz, A. & Santiago, I. & Flores-Arias, J.M. & Bellido-Outeirino, F.J. & Moreno-Garcia, I.M., 2018. "A stochastic modelling and simulation approach to heating and cooling electricity consumption in the residential sector," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 144(C), pages 1080-1091.
    3. Berry, Stephen & Davidson, Kathryn, 2016. "Improving the economics of building energy code change: A review of the inputs and assumptions of economic models," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 157-166.
    4. Aydinalp Koksal, Merih & Rowlands, Ian H. & Parker, Paul, 2015. "Energy, cost, and emission end-use profiles of homes: An Ontario (Canada) case study," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 303-316.
    5. Schaffrin, André & Reibling, Nadine, 2015. "Household energy and climate mitigation policies: Investigating energy practices in the housing sector," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 1-10.
    6. Difs, Kristina & Bennstam, Marcus & Trygg, Louise & Nordenstam, Lena, 2010. "Energy conservation measures in buildings heated by district heating – A local energy system perspective," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(8), pages 3194-3203.
    7. Chen, Victor L. & Delmas, Magali A. & Kaiser, William J. & Locke, Stephen L., 2015. "What can we learn from high-frequency appliance-level energy metering? Results from a field experiment," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 164-175.
    8. Pode, Ramchandra, 2020. "Organic light emitting diode devices: An energy efficient solid state lighting for applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    9. Ensieh Shojaeddini & Ben Gilbert, 2023. "Heterogeneity in the Rebound Effect: Evidence from Efficient Lighting Subsidies," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 84(1), pages 173-217, January.
    10. Aman, M.M. & Jasmon, G.B. & Mokhlis, H. & Bakar, A.H.A., 2013. "Analysis of the performance of domestic lighting lamps," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 482-500.
    11. Ek, Kristina & Söderholm, Patrik, 2010. "The devil is in the details: Household electricity saving behavior and the role of information," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(3), pages 1578-1587, March.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Meza, Carlos Germán & Seger Mercedes, Sonia & Sauer, Ildo Luís, 2014. "Nicaragua's 2013 residential lighting program: Prospective assessment," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 522-530.
    2. repec:hal:gemwpa:hal-00991732 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Mills, Bradford & Schleich, Joachim, 2014. "Household transitions to energy efficient lighting," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 151-160.
    4. Franceschini, Simone & Borup, Mads & Rosales-Carreón, Jesús, 2018. "Future indoor light and associated energy consumption based on professionals' visions: A practice- and network-oriented analysis," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 129(C), pages 1-11.
    5. Burgess, Jacquelin & Nye, Michael, 2008. "Re-materialising energy use through transparent monitoring systems," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(12), pages 4454-4459, December.
    6. Tracey Crosbie & Melody Stokes & Simon Guy, 2008. "Illuminating Household Energy Demand and the Policies for Its Reduction," Energy & Environment, , vol. 19(7), pages 979-993, December.
    7. Darby, Sarah, 2006. "Social learning and public policy: Lessons from an energy-conscious village," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(17), pages 2929-2940, November.
    8. Schleich, Joachim & Mills, Bradford & Dütschke, Elisabeth, 2014. "A brighter future? Quantifying the rebound effect in energy efficient lighting," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 35-42.
    9. Reynolds, Travis & Kolodinsky, Jane & Murray, Byron, 2012. "Consumer preferences and willingness to pay for compact fluorescent lighting: Policy implications for energy efficiency promotion in Saint Lucia," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 712-722.
    10. Elizabeth V. Hobman & Karen Stenner & Elisha R. Frederiks, 2017. "Exploring Everyday Energy Usage Practices in Australian Households: A Qualitative Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-24, September.
    11. Trifunovic, J. & Mikulovic, J. & Djurisic, Z. & Djuric, M. & Kostic, M., 2009. "Reductions in electricity consumption and power demand in case of the mass use of compact fluorescent lamps," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(9), pages 1355-1363.
    12. Urge-Vorsatz, Diana & Hauff, Jochen, 2001. "Drivers of market transformation: analysis of the Hungarian lighting success story," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 29(10), pages 801-810, August.
    13. Aman, M.M. & Jasmon, G.B. & Mokhlis, H. & Bakar, A.H.A., 2013. "Analysis of the performance of domestic lighting lamps," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 482-500.
    14. Aydin, Erdal & Brounen, Dirk, 2019. "The impact of policy on residential energy consumption," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 115-129.
    15. Hargreaves, Tom & Nye, Michael & Burgess, Jacquelin, 2010. "Making energy visible: A qualitative field study of how householders interact with feedback from smart energy monitors," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(10), pages 6111-6119, October.
    16. Karasoy, Alper, 2022. "Is innovative technology a solution to Japan's long-run energy insecurity? Dynamic evidence from the linear and nonlinear methods," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).
    17. Lillemo, Shuling Chen, 2014. "Measuring the effect of procrastination and environmental awareness on households' energy-saving behaviours: An empirical approach," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 249-256.
    18. Kaika, Dimitra & Zervas, Efthimios, 2013. "The environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) theory. Part B: Critical issues," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 1403-1411.
    19. Jonathan M. Lee, 2015. "The Impact of Heterogeneous NOx Regulations on Distributed Electricity Generation in U.S. Manufacturing," Working Papers 15-12, Center for Economic Studies, U.S. Census Bureau.
    20. De Borger, Bruno & Mulalic, Ismir & Rouwendal, Jan, 2016. "Measuring the rebound effect with micro data: A first difference approach," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 1-17.
    21. Kelly, Scott & Shipworth, Michelle & Shipworth, David & Gentry, Michael & Wright, Andrew & Pollitt, Michael & Crawford-Brown, Doug & Lomas, Kevin, 2013. "Predicting the diversity of internal temperatures from the English residential sector using panel methods," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 601-621.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:36:y:2008:i:9:p:3521-3530. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/enpol .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.