Reported Behavioural Patterns of Electricity Use among Low-Income Households in Makhanda, South Africa

Uzziah Mutumbi, Gladman Thondhlana and Sheunesu Ruwanza
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Uzziah Mutumbi: Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, P. O. Box 94, Makhanda 6140, South Africa
Gladman Thondhlana: Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, P. O. Box 94, Makhanda 6140, South Africa
Sheunesu Ruwanza: Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, P. O. Box 94, Makhanda 6140, South Africa

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 13, 1-17

Abstract: Households consume up to 20% of overall electricity consumption globally; hence, they are important role players in efforts towards promoting sustainable consumption. Research on electricity use behaviour is important for informing intervention strategies; however, relative to developed countries, research on this subject is lacking in developing countries where electricity access is limited. In South Africa, electricity use behaviour among poor neighbourhoods remains little studied and understood. This study was carried out among low-income households in Makhanda, South Africa, characterised by high poverty and unemployment rates, low education levels, and limited access to basic services. Using a self-reporting approach, electricity use behaviour of low-income households was assessed against a list of common household electricity use actions. A survey of 297 households was conducted. The findings show mixed results, with households reporting both good electricity use behaviour (e.g., cooling down hot food before refrigeration and using washing machines on full load) and wasteful actions (e.g., leaving appliances on standby). Our results show that electricity use behaviour was influenced by socio-psychological values including universalism, benevolence, hedonism, and power. Some of the reported electricity behavioural patterns are consistent with those previously reported among high-income households. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.

Keywords: low-affluent households; electricity consumption; reported behaviour; interventions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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