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Heating practices and self-disconnection among electricity prepayment meter consumers in New Zealand: A follow-up survey

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  • O'Sullivan, Kimberley C.
  • Stanley, James
  • Fougere, Geoffrey
  • Howden-Chapman, Philippa

Abstract

This paper presents results from a twelve-month follow-up postal survey of 324 respondents who previously participated in a 2010 nationwide postal survey of prepayment meter consumers. We investigated changes in patterns of self-disconnection and explored heating practices. Self-disconnection decreased from 52.6% to 45.4%, while the frequency of self-disconnection increased slightly. The findings indicate that self-disconnection remains problematic and potentially harmful for many prepayment consumers over time. Self-rationing electricity, particularly restriction of heating is common; 57% of respondents agreed prepayment encouraged restriction of heating use. We provide policy recommendations related to prepayment metering in New Zealand based on these findings.

Suggested Citation

  • O'Sullivan, Kimberley C. & Stanley, James & Fougere, Geoffrey & Howden-Chapman, Philippa, 2016. "Heating practices and self-disconnection among electricity prepayment meter consumers in New Zealand: A follow-up survey," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 139-147.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:juipol:v:41:y:2016:i:c:p:139-147
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2016.07.002
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    2. Wagner, Oliver & Wiegand, Julia, 2018. "Prepayment metering: Household experiences in Germany," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 407-414.
    3. Beyene, Abebe D. & Jeuland, Marc & Sebsibie, Samuel & Hassen, Sied & Mekonnen, Alemu & Meles, Tensay H. & Pattanayak, Subhrendu K. & Klug, Thomas, 2022. "Pre-paid meters and household electricity use behaviors: Evidence from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 170(C).
    4. Rocha, Marta & Baddeley, Michelle & Pollitt, Michael & Weeks, Melvyn, 2019. "Addressing self-disconnection among prepayment energy consumers: A behavioural approach," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 273-286.
    5. Elinor Chisholm & Kimberley O’Sullivan, 2017. "Using Twitter to Explore (un)Healthy Housing: Learning from the #Characterbuildings Campaign in New Zealand," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-14, November.
    6. Shorter, Caroline & Crane, Julian & Barnes, Phillipa & Kang, Janice & Honeywill, Claire & Robertson, Oliver & O'Sullivan, Kimberley & Telfar-Barnard, Lucy & Pierse, Nevil & Howden-Chapman, Philippa, 2022. "The cost of achieving healthy temperatures in children's bedrooms: Evidence from New Zealand," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).

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