Energy Conservation: a Study of Energy Knowledge and Behavior of Households in a Limited-Income Neighborhood

Abstract

The energy-related characteristics of a low-income neighborhood wer~ examined. The main objective of the study was to research how low-income households were coping with the energy problem. This data is needed to determine the immediate household energy needs of households with limited resources and to more effectively develop and implement local energy policies. Residents of this neighborhood were actively conserving energy--mainly as a hedge against high bills. Respondents also exhibited relatively high levels of energy knowledge and conserving behavior. Though not tested in this study, it appears that the extraneous variable of rurality may have influenced energy knowledge and behavior. A significant relationship was found between energy knowledge and belief in the energy crisis. No significant relationships were found between energy knowledge and behavior, or between energy behavior and a belief in the energy crisis. This study is dedicated to those who believe an education is an important step towards fulfilling the American dream, and especially, to those who help others achieve this noble goal.