Understanding technology ownership to reveal adoption trends for energy efficiency measures in the Greek residential sector

Abstract

This article explores technology ownership patterns to reveal adoption trends for energy efficiency measures (EEMs) in the Greek residential sector. To do so, we couple observational survey data with discrete choice modeling. Household preferences are revealed through EEMs owned by Greek householders, after having been questioned for a variety of end-use measures and details about their specification. Our results confirm prior evidence on traditional determinants οf technology adoption and extend those by validating that households familiar with information and communication technologies (ICTs) are more likely to own EEMs with smart features. We were also able to highlight the positive influence of participation in subsidy, as well as other support programmes for vulnerable consumers in households’ ownership of EEMs. Our results are then used to simulate the change in technology ownership rates, under no and full participation in a subsidy programme, for three income levels. Simulation outcomes suggest that, for almost all EEMs, the probability for technology ownership is greater for higher-income households benefitting from a subsidy. Nevertheless, the change in the probability of technology ownership due to the subsidy is larger for low- and medium-income households participating in the programme, further encouraging, thus, support for financial policies targeting lower-income households.