Model for measuring the effect of utility interventions on change of consumer behavior on energy savings: a study based on Sri Lankan domestic sector

Abstract

Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) introduces different intervention mechanisms to conserve electricity from time to time. These interventions mainly include financial incentives, technical supports, and regulatory influences etc. But utility's sources reveal that those interventions are ineffective and waste of resources in the long run. Therefore, this paper examines the possible causes of such failures and suitable remedial actions. The proposed new model bridges the existing knowledge gap between the theoretical and empirical implications of energy conservation. Findings show that utilities have failed to match incentives, tariff regimes, regulations, and technology among different levels of consumer segments scientifically. Especially, the consumer groups belong to a monthly average consumption of 31- 90kWh, 91-120kWh, and 121-180 kWh are having a very high potential for energy conservation via various incentive schemes whereas consumers above 181kWh units have to be motivated towards energy conservation through various tariffs and regulatory influences. The consumers below 30kWh units bear no sense of responsibility and not even respond to generic energy conservation aspects or to regulatory regimes. Therefore, specific financial transfers and employment opportunities need to be introduced on this segment which is at the bottom of the pyramid.