Household energy behaviour in the times of crisis: Lessons for policy initiatives from peripheral, fossil-dependent regions of the European Union

Abstract

Drawing on the survey research conducted on a representative sample of 1200 Polish households living in peripheral, fossil-dependent regions, this paper explores the hitherto unrecognised changes in energy behaviour in the residential sector, which resulted from the increase in energy prices that initiated in 2022 after the Russia's invasion on Ukraine. We consider only no-tech and low-tech sustainable energy practices that meet the needs of households and deliver lasting reductions in domestic energy use and the increase of their energy efficiency. We concentrate on final energy consumption, i.e. energy behaviour related to heating houses, washing oneself and washing dishes, washing and drying clothes, as well as using TV, computers, household appliances and home lighting. We analyse the frequency of use of low-tech and no-tech practices and indicate the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of households and home features that differentiate them. In addition, applying the method of association rules, we outline key traits of household exhibiting different types of energy behaviour, namely ‘avoid’, ‘shift’ and ‘improve’. We use this knowledge to formulate implications for policy initiatives at European, national and local levels aiming at increasing the inclusiveness of the energy transition process.