Energy-Saving Behaviour of Households: Methodological Aspects of Research

Abstract

The paper deals with the theoretical and methodological aspects of studying and modelling energy-saving behaviour of households in modern conditions. The main goal is to provide the scientific community in a concise form with these research results concerning the methodological support for the theoretical study of problems related to energy-saving behaviour of households. Extended version of the study on this topic will be published in a20003@mail.vstecb.cz different format. Scientific research methods are based on the use of abstraction and systematization of these energy-saving processes in households, the use of the principle “all other things being equal”, and the study of official statistical materials. The theoretical basis was the teachings of representatives of institutionalism and the neoclassical direction of economic theory. The obtained results include a conclusion about the features of modelling energy saving of households, which should be taken into account when preparing practical recommendations in the field of energy consumption; on the criteria for modelling based on the grouping of households and the types of their behaviour in the field of energy saving. The fundamental variables in obtaining the effect of energy saving are the processes of organizing and self-organizing the process of energy consumption by households, which make it possible to apply effective energy-saving actions. Also, in the final part of the work, a system of variable factors influencing the energy consumption of households and used in modelling their behaviour is presented. The advantage of the study is that, for the first time in a systematic way, the theoretical and methodological aspects of studying the behaviour of households in energy saving are considered, which will allow obtaining a holistic view of trends in energy consumption. An in-depth study of the scientific foundations of the process of energy conservation in households can contribute to the formation of effective government and business programs and thereby rationalize the behaviour of households as consumers and suppliers of energy resources.