Impact of Economic Awareness on Sustainable Energy Consumption: Results of Research in a Segment of Polish Households

Bożena Gajdzik, Magdalena Jaciow, Kinga Hoffmann-Burdzińska, Robert Wolny, Radosław Wolniak () and Wiesław Wes Grebski
Additional contact information
Bożena Gajdzik: Department of Industrial Informatics, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Magdalena Jaciow: Department of Digital Economy Research, Faculty of Economics, University of Economics in Katowice, 40-287 Katowice, Poland
Kinga Hoffmann-Burdzińska: Department of Digital Economy Research, Faculty of Economics, University of Economics in Katowice, 40-287 Katowice, Poland
Robert Wolny: Department of Digital Economy Research, Faculty of Economics, University of Economics in Katowice, 40-287 Katowice, Poland
Radosław Wolniak: Faculty of Organization and Management, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Wiesław Wes Grebski: Penn State Hazleton, Pennsylvania State University, 76 University Drive, Hazleton, PA 18202, USA

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-31

Abstract: This manuscript explores the relationship between the economic awareness (as a part of energy awareness) of Polish households and their sustainable energy consumption practices. Sustainable consumption is measured by the frequency of behaviors such as turning off electrical devices when not in use, removing mobile device chargers from sockets, switching off lights when leaving a room, preferring showers over baths, using washing machines and dishwashers only when full, and purchasing energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. Economic awareness is gauged through variables such as knowledge of electricity tariffs, understanding of electric bill components, awareness of electricity prices, exact knowledge of electricity expenses, electricity usage in kWh, knowledge of effective energy-saving methods, and familiarity with the energy efficiency classes of appliances and light bulbs. This study presents profiles of households with high and low economic awareness regarding their electricity expenditures and examines how these profiles differ in their sustainable energy consumption behaviors. This research is based on a survey of 1407 Polish households conducted online in 2023. Data collected from the survey were subjected to statistical analysis and are presented in tables and graphs. The findings are discussed in the context of the existing literature in the field, highlighting the implications of economic awareness on sustainable energy consumption practices. This research contributes to understanding how economic knowledge influences energy-saving behaviors among Polish households, providing insights for policymakers and energy conservation initiatives. One of the key findings of this paper is the significant association between economic awareness, energy-saving knowledge, and the adoption of sustainable energy consumption behaviors among Polish households. This study reveals that households with higher levels of economic awareness demonstrate a notably higher frequency of practices related to sustainable energy consumption compared to those with lower economic awareness. Similarly, households equipped with greater knowledge about energy-saving techniques exhibit a higher propensity to adopt energy-efficient behaviors. This underscores important roles of economic literacy and education in fostering behavioral changes towards more sustainable energy practices, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions and educational campaigns aimed at enhancing economic awareness and promoting energy-saving knowledge among consumers.

Keywords: energy consumers; renewable energy sources (RESs); energy saving; sustainability; economic awareness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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