Research on the Driving Factors and Policy Guidance for a Reduction in Electricity Consumption by Urban Residents

Long Xia, Lulu Chai, Xiaoyun Feng, Yuehong Wei and Hanyu Zhang ()
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Long Xia: Department of Law and Political Science, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China
Lulu Chai: College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
Xiaoyun Feng: Department of Law and Political Science, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China
Yuehong Wei: Department of Foreign Studies, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China
Hanyu Zhang: Zhou Enlai School of Government, NanKai University, Tianjin 300071, China

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 20, 1-24

Abstract: The urgency of mitigating climate change and the challenges it poses to ecosystems and human systems are highlighted in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). In order to achieve sustainable development, it is imperative to adopt a series of adaptive measures to enhance the resilience of various sectors to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This article analyzes the driving mechanism behind the reduction in electricity consumption by urban residents based on 302 valid questionnaires from 18 communities in nine districts in B City. Using a method that combines qualitative and empirical research, the study proposes policy recommendations aimed at guiding urban residents toward reducing their electricity consumption. These recommendations serve as a policy reference for cities striving to achieve sustainability and low-carbon targets. The primary innovations and conclusions of the study are as follows: (1) this study summarizes the primary factors and processes influencing the reduction in electricity consumption among urban residents, examined from the following three perspectives: residents’ characteristics, psychological understanding, and external environment. (2) On the basis of the research data, empirical analysis and hypothesis testing are conducted using a variety of mathematical and statistical methods. The results indicate significant differences in the electricity consumption reduction behavior of heterogeneous urban residents in both public and private areas. Subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and knowledge of electricity conservation have significant direct influences on residents’ willingness to reduce their electricity consumption. Among these factors, subjective norms have the most significant impact, while the impact of attitude is negligible. Economic incentive policies have a significant positive regulatory effect on the relationship between “willingness (intention)” and “private area electricity consumption reduction behavior”.

Keywords: sustainability; urban residents; electricity consumption reduction behavior; influencing factors; driving mechanism (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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