Level of Cooperativeness of Individuals to Issues of Energy Conservation

Abstract

Zimbabwe like many other developing nations has energy supply that is less than energy demand. This entails prioritization and increased prices economically, however as energy is a basic need, a different approach is called for. The goal of human development needs to be achieved, which has seen some programmes like rural electrification being undertaken. The study uses a questionnaire approach on a sample of 200 people, to check and analyse their approach to energy use in the economy. A probit model is used to determine the individual factors that affect energy conservation. The study found that age, household size, energy bills and gadget purchase behaviour all explains energy conservation. The study found income, gender and residential status insignificant in explaining the level of cooperativeness of individuals to energy conservation. The study also analyse the effect of recently introduced prepaid electricity meters on energy conservation.