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The impact of pollution information disclosure on household electricity consumption: Evidence from China

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  • Chen, Lu
  • Wang, Yingcheng

Abstract

Using the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) and other county- and city-level datasets, we examined the effect of pollution information disclosure (PID) on household electricity use in China. The results show that PID led to a significant increase in the sensitivity of household electricity consumption to changes in air quality, particularly in higher-income and more educated households and in more polluted cities. This finding may be attributed to enhanced public awareness of pollution risk and subsequent behavioral responses. We highlight the need for holistic policies based on the interplay between environmental awareness, behavioral change, and energy consumption.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Lu & Wang, Yingcheng, 2024. "The impact of pollution information disclosure on household electricity consumption: Evidence from China," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:juipol:v:91:y:2024:i:c:s0957178724001310
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2024.101838
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Electricity consumption; Air pollution; Environmental information;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • Q40 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - General
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling

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