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Addressing self-disconnection among prepayment energy consumers: A behavioural approach

Author

Listed:
  • Marta Rocha

    (Nova School of Business and Economics, Universidade Nova de Lisboa Portugal)

  • Michelle Baddeley

    (Bartlett School of Construction and Project Management, University College London)

  • Michael G. Pollitt

    (JudgeBusiness School and Electricity Policy Research Group, University of Cambridge)

Abstract

This paper uses insights from the study of self-control in decision-making to remedy the problem of self-disconnection among energy prepayment consumers. Self-disconnection happens when consumers exhaust all available credit in their meter and are left without supply of energy. This has serious consequences for the wellbeing of consumers and may increase firms' costs. We design a mechanism composed of a commitment contract and a reminder in order to minimize the number of self—disconnectons. We empirically assess this mechanism by examining (1) the determinants of self-disconnecton and (2) the choice of different commitment contracts. we show that self-control plays a role in self-disconnection and we are able to identify in our sample, those consumers who benefit from a commitment contract. Moreover we find a demand to commitment and an opportunity to save among those consumers who need a commitment contract.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Marta Rocha & Michelle Baddeley & Michael G. Pollitt, 2013. "Addressing self-disconnection among prepayment energy consumers: A behavioural approach," Working Papers EPRG 1328, Energy Policy Research Group, Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.
    • Handle: RePEc:enp:wpaper:eprg1328
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Michael G. Pollitt, 2016. "Electricity Network Charging for Flexibility," Working Papers EPRG 1623, Energy Policy Research Group, Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.
    2. Burlinson, Andrew & Giulietti, Monica & Law, Cherry & Liu, Hui-Hsuan, 2021. "Fuel poverty and financial distress," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    3. Oseni, Musiliu O., 2015. "Assessing the consumers’ willingness to adopt a prepayment metering system in Nigeria," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 154-165.
    4. Longden, Thomas, 2025. "Temperature-related energy insecurity and heating degree thresholds for prepayment gas customers in England and Wales," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    5. Werthschulte, Madeline, 2023. "Present focus and billing systems: Testing ‘pay-as-you-go’ vs. ‘pay-later’," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 108-121.
    6. Bergmann, Ariel & Burton, Bruce & Klaes, Matthias, 2021. "European perceptions on crowdfunding for renewables: Positivity and pragmatism," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).

    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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