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Social norms and energy conservation in China

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  • Wu, Libo
  • Zhou, Yang

Abstract

This paper investigates how social norms influence energy conservation behaviors in China. Through a field experiment, we demonstrate that simply providing social comparison information can lead to significant energy reductions, even when the potential consumption and monetary gains from energy savings are limited. Specifically, energy consumption was reduced by 0.42 kWh, sufficient to meet a household’s daily energy needs for lighting. Our findings further indicate that this conservation effect is only significant for households using convenient payment schemes (quick-pay) via other digital platforms, which only offer monetary costs without other information. Hence, attention and information on energy consumption are relatively lacking for these households. This result reveals the potential mechanism of social norms as a reminder, drawing users’ attention to their energy consumption behaviors. This study offers valuable insights into the application and mechanism of social norms, emphasizing the importance of providing additional reminder information as auto- and quick-pay schemes become more prevalent.

Suggested Citation

  • Wu, Libo & Zhou, Yang, 2025. "Social norms and energy conservation in China," Resource and Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:resene:v:82:y:2025:i:c:s0928765525000156
    DOI: 10.1016/j.reseneeco.2025.101491
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • L94 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Electric Utilities
    • Q41 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Demand and Supply; Prices

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