The impact of energy fuel choice determinants on sustainable energy consumption of selected South African households

Abstract

The erratic nature of electricity supply in South Africa combines with other factors continuous to affect household electricity demand, leading to increasing reliance on other fuels. This dependence is characterised by the use of traditional fuels by mostly low-income households, contributing significantly to environmentally harmful emissions. This study assessed the primary determinants of energy fuel choice in selected South African households, to alert policymakers to important energy consumption behavioural tendencies that can inform policies and that can assist sustainable energy growth and reduction of biomass use in households. The investigation was primarily based on energy consumption models and used a quantitative research design. Gauteng and North West were considered for data collection. Households, in general, tended to practice energy stacking. The results suggest policy measures that could promote sustainable energy use by households.

Keywords

• Energy fuels;household choice; demand determinants