Energy Sector Reforms Research Articles

The diffusion of energy efficiency innovations among residential energy consumers

The escalating economic and environmental costs associated with energy use, in conjunction with the energy sector reforms, have lead to increased interest in residential energy efficiency. The current paper uses a diffusion of innovations approach to develop qualitative choice models for the consideration and adoption of energy efficiency devices. The models were estimated using data collected from 705 Christchurch households. Perceived attributes such as financial savings, purchase price and the life of the product were found to be important components of problem recognition and distinguished those who had considered adoption from those who had not. Among those who had already considered adoption it was the communication channels, not the perceived attributes, that were the distinguishing features. Proponents of energy efficiency focus their attention on establishing inter‐personal communication strategies and increasing the visibility of benefits, rather than relying on price subsidies or mass‐media campaigns.

Energy and CO 2 emissions in India: increasing trends and alarming portents

Ninety-eight percent of the carbon dioxide emissions in India are accounted for by energy related activities. Of this, nearly 48% is contributed by biomass combustion and the balance by the combustion of fossil fuel. The current paper presents some of the indicators of energy use in India including per capita energy consumption levels, the structure of energy consumption as well as efficiency of its utilization. The paper concludes by looking at some of the short and medium term projections for energy demand and their implications for CO 2 emissions and discusses the measures that need to be put in place to ensure a more effective utilization of energy. Particular attention is given to the current reforms in India's energy sector and the role of appropriate energy pricing is highlighted.

Deregulation from the Gas Utility's Perspective

The paper covers the process of energy sector reform as it relates to the New Zealand Gas Industry. The reform processes are aimed at deregulating the gas industry, encouraging competition within the energy sector, and providing only light-handed controls in the areas of transmission and distribution where competition is unlikely. The paper concentrates on the technical aspects and views the process from the utility point of view. The first section looks at the specific elements of the energy sector reform legislation and identifies the changes that were brought about through the new Gas Act, the Gas Regulations and associated law amendments. The changes range from the removal of the exclusive franchises and price controls through to the development of a new regime to control gasfitting and gas appliances. The second section reviews the relevant aspects of the broader changes of the deregulation process which have impacted on all New Zealand industries as the country moves through the 90s. These changes range from new legislation to manage resources through to changes in the health and safety area. The final section covers the activities and initiatives of the Gas Industry to optimise the opportunities that the deregulation process provides. These changes range from the preparation of access agreements for transportation of gas through to new training structures to ensure that adequate skills are available to maintain the industry's excellent safety and reliability round.