Exploring Off-Grid Energy Choices: Household Decisions in Upper Blinkwater, South Africa

Mahali Elizabeth Lesala (), Golden Makaka and Patrick Mukumba
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Mahali Elizabeth Lesala: Physics Department, Faculty of Science & Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa
Golden Makaka: Physics Department, Faculty of Science & Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa
Patrick Mukumba: Physics Department, Faculty of Science & Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-16

Abstract: Household energy is critical for sustainable development, but many rural and off-grid communities lack access. As global concerns about climate change prompt a re-evaluation of energy strategies, understanding rural household energy decisions becomes increasingly complex, particularly in remote areas without grid access. This study examines the energy decisions of households in the Upper Blinkwater community to uncover the primary drivers for their choice of energy amidst grid connections. Survey data from 53 households were analyzed using multivariate regression. The findings revealed significant economic vulnerability among the respondents, marked by high unemployment and limited resource access, with the majority of households relying on social grants. These households depend on multiple energy sources, with firewood usage significantly influenced by the availability of grants, total income, post-primary education, household size, and remittance income. The findings contradict the energy ladder hypothesis, indicating that despite economic improvements, a complete transition to modern fuels may not be possible as firewood remains a crucial energy source. These results highlight the complex interplay of economic, social, and cultural factors in household energy decisions and underscore the importance of enhancing infrastructure, providing economic incentives, and conducting educational campaigns to facilitate the transition to cleaner energy alternatives.

Keywords: energy choice; energy poverty; household surveys; multivariate regression; off-grid households (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
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