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Application of the economic theory of self-control to model energy conservation behavioral change in households

Author

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  • Lundgren, Berndt

    (Department of Real Estate and Construction Management, Royal Institute of Technology)

  • Schultzberg, Mårten

    (Department of Real Estate and Construction Management, Royal Institute of Technology)

Abstract

Smart meters and in-house displays hold a promise of energy conservation for those who invest in such technology. Research has shown that households only have a limited interest in such technology and information is thus often neglected, with rather limited energy savings. Surprisingly few empirical investigations have a theoretical foundation that may explain what is going on from a behavioral perspective. In this study the economic theory of self-control is used to model energy-efficient behavior in middle-income households in Sweden. Our results show that different levels of energy-efficient behavior do not really have any impact on the actual consumption levels of electricity. Instead, different beliefs exist of being energy-efficient, but the households do not act accordingly. Our results suggest that the payment time period should be changed to stimulate the monitoring of bills and to introduce a gaming strategy to change incentives for energy conservation.

Suggested Citation

  • Lundgren, Berndt & Schultzberg, Mårten, 2019. "Application of the economic theory of self-control to model energy conservation behavioral change in households," Working Paper Series 19/1, Royal Institute of Technology, Department of Real Estate and Construction Management & Banking and Finance.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:kthrec:2019_001
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    Cited by:

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    2. Marlene Ofelia Sanchez-Escobar & Julieta Noguez & Jose Martin Molina-Espinosa & David Escobar-Castillejos & Sergio Ruiz-Loza, 2023. "Policy Design for Electricity Efficiency: A Case Study of Bottom-Up Energy Modeling in the Residential Sector and Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-39, September.
    3. Walter Salas-Zapata & Anny Posada-Castaño & Diana Mejía-Durango, 2021. "An explanation of the behavioral origin of moderation in the use of natural resources: a meta-synthesis study," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 41(4), pages 487-500, December.
    4. Bożena Gajdzik & Radosław Wolniak & Rafał Nagaj & Brigita Žuromskaitė-Nagaj & Wieslaw Wes Grebski, 2024. "The Influence of the Global Energy Crisis on Energy Efficiency: A Comprehensive Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-51, February.
    5. Jun Bai & Shixiang Li & Nan Wang & Jianru Shi & Xianmin Li, 2020. "Spatial Spillover Effect of New Energy Development on Economic Growth in Developing Areas of China—An Empirical Test Based on the Spatial Dubin Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-17, April.
    6. Chou, Jui-Sheng & Truong, Dinh-Nhat & Kuo, Ching-Chiun, 2021. "Imaging time-series with features to enable visual recognition of regional energy consumption by bio-inspired optimization of deep learning," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 224(C).

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C11 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Bayesian Analysis: General
    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • R22 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Other Demand

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