Delineating energy consumption behaviour: A household-level assessment from India's energy NEXUS strategy

Abstract

The UN's seventh Sustainable Development Goal aims to ensure everyone affordable and reliable modern energy services by 2030. Despite government efforts, 660 million Indians are still found to be using solid fuels. Exposure to indoor air pollution results in numerous health complications and premature deaths. Against this backdrop, the present study aims to (a) provide an inclusive assessment of cooking energy consumption behaviour and (b) analyse household energy use perception and the scope of LPG as a clean energy source. The study uses 2018 Access to Clean Cooking Energy and Electricity – Survey of States data. It is found that while government schemes are effective in improving penetration, refilling cost of LPG and accessibility remain the principal hurdles. While fear attached with safety issues is found to be a dominant-negative determinants of LPG adoption, better health outcomes and user convenience are found to be major positive determinants associated with LPG use. Free availability, easy accessibility, and other benefits of solid biomass make it even impossible to eliminate fuel-stacking. It is suggested that provision of instant subsidies along with availablity of alternative income-generating opportunitie can reduce the burden of LPG refilling costs on households. Further, making provisions for the users to refill cylinders from the nearest authorised distributors could be a step forward to enhance LPG use. Effort towards promoting energy-efficient alternative technologies (e.g. solar cookers, kettles, etc.) and education, organisation of training programs with the help of local dealers and public institutions, and empowering women can go a long way to boost LPG use.