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Applying threshold models to donations to a green electricity fund

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  • Ito, Nobuyuki
  • Takeuchi, Kenji
  • Tsuge, Takahiro
  • Kishimoto, Atsuo

Abstract

This study applies a threshold model proposed by Granovetter (1978) to analyze the diffusion process of donating behavior for renewable energy. We first use a stated preference survey to estimate the determinants of a decision to support the donation scheme under various predicted participation rates. Using the estimated coefficients, we simulate how herd behavior spreads and the participation rate reaches the equilibrium. The participation rate at the equilibrium is estimated as 37.88% when the suggested donation is 500Â yen, while it is 17.76% when the suggested amount is 1000Â yen. The influence of environmentalism and altruism is also examined, and we find that these motivations increase the participation rate by 31.51% on average.

Suggested Citation

  • Ito, Nobuyuki & Takeuchi, Kenji & Tsuge, Takahiro & Kishimoto, Atsuo, 2010. "Applying threshold models to donations to a green electricity fund," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(4), pages 1819-1825, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:38:y:2010:i:4:p:1819-1825
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    2. Nobuyuki Ito & Kenji Takeuchi & Takahiro Tsuge & Atsuo Kishimoto, 2012. "The Motivation behind Behavioral Thresholds: A Latent Class Approach," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 32(3), pages 1831-1847.
    3. Hartmann, Patrick & Apaolaza, Vanessa & D'Souza, Clare & Echebarria, Carmen & Barrutia, Jose M., 2013. "Nuclear power threats, public opposition and green electricity adoption: Effects of threat belief appraisal and fear arousal," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 1366-1376.
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    5. Mozumder, Pallab & Vásquez, William F. & Marathe, Achla, 2011. "Consumers' preference for renewable energy in the southwest USA," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 33(6), pages 1119-1126.

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