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Chapter 1
THE PROBLEM AND IT’S SCOPE
Rationale of the Study
Household energy consumption has been topics of interest among social
researchers for a number of decades. This study was entitled "Electricity Saving
Strategy of Households in Selected Barangays in Tanauan Leyte". Because in
the said locale, electricity source is very important to all residents for them to
sustain their daily needs. But consuming electric energy must have a specific
limitations and corresponding strategies to be applied. Thereby, we can conserve
and control our monthly electricity bill. Residential electricity consumption is
actually dominated by different uses; such as lighting, heating, cooling and
household's appliances. There have been successful efforts made by the policy
makers to decrease our energy consumption by increasing efficiency within this
country, region or municipality. However, these gains are likely increasingly
offsets by demand growth due to consumer's electronic devices such as
television, radios, computers, and etc.
There is an existing speculation with a relevance to high electricity
consumption of households in rural barangays, but they are only using a few set
of electrical lightings and home appliances. And it became an urgent problem
needed to be solved but neglected in previous studies. Implementation of energy
conservation of existing households is the best solution for meeting the new
demand of households and reducing energy consumption in Tanauan in order to
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be aware of crisis due to high electricity bill, Consuming less also means saving
energy costs. This will reduce costs, increase energy efficiency which in turn into
a progressive municipality.
This study was conducted for more clarification if those speculations are
stating the truth. And this study aims to discover a set of procedures for energy
conservation for existing household's refurbishment in rural barangays of
Tanauan Leyte with appropriate methods. The positive result of this study intends
to be suggested particularly suitable for the said locales. This study also intends
to determine the efficiency of currently applied energy saving strategies of our
respondents
Theoretical Background of the Framework
A generation right exchange theory based on energy saving and emission
reducing is proposed aiming to improve the overall energy utilization efficiency
and promote energy saving as well as emission reducing. The theory considers
the current policy on energy efficiency and emission reduction in China. Its
objective is to optimize the overall social benefit with maximum energy trading
quantity while maintaining the least energy consumption, pollutant emissions and
losses. It also considers other factors such as nodal locations. The basic
connotation of generation right exchange, the effects or potential and economic
benefits of energy saving and emission-reducing are given and analyzed. The
coordination between the bilateral contract and pool market mechanisms for
generation right exchange are proposed. Ten mathematical models and
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algorithms for generations right exchanged are designed, with each model's
characteristics analyzed and compared.
The theory supports this current study because we both aims to reduce
electricity consumption in the way of promoting energy saving methods and
overall electric utilization efficiency. Shang Jincheng (Henan Grid Power
Exchange center, Zhengzhou 450052, China) Designing the Electricity Market
System Mode in China Part one Interconnected Power Grid Market Design:
Automation of Electric Power Systems, 2010.08.
Statement of the Problem
Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following problems:
1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:
1.1 Employment
1.2 Average Monthly Income
2. What electrical lightings and home appliances do the respondents use in their
homes?
3. What is the average electric bill paid by the respondents every month?
4. What strategies are applied by the respondents in electricity conservation?
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Significant of the Study
The output of this study will be beneficial to the following:
1. Researchers. Through this current study, the researchers were able to
gain knowledge on how to conduct and write a research paper, and this
could be an edge when they enroll in higher education.
2. Future Researchers. The final output that will be developed in this
current study will serve as an additional reference material in to higher
education.
3. Future Researchers. The final output that will be developed in this
current study will serve as an additional reference material in to higher
education.
Definition of Terms
The following terms were defined operationally or how it is used in the
current study. Survey Refers to a data gathering using survey questionnaires.
Barangays- This refers to the locale or place in which the respondents will be
located.
Barangays- This refers to the locale or place in which the respondents will be
located.
Conservation- Is the technique that can be done by the households in order to
have a reduction on Monthly Electricity Bill.
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Electricity- Is energy provided of covered places of DORELCO that needs to be
conserve by the consumers in order to reduce electric bill.
Future Researchers- Are the students who will be taking up the Practical
Research and Inquiries, Investigation and Immersion subject that will use our
study as their additional reference.
Households- Serves as the research respondents that will be the primary source
of information.
Researchers- Refers to the students of Inquiries, Investigation and Immersion
that aims to gather data.
Respondents- Refers to the households of the rural barangays of Tanauan
Leyte that will be the source of information.
Strategy- An action that is designed in order to conserve electric energy.
Selected- Refers with choosing the research locale that needs to be obtained.
Survey- Refers to a data gathering using survey questionnaires.
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Chapter 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
This chapter is composed of related literature and studies reviewed and
gathered from various sources that provide the researcher valuable information
and insights necessary to the current study.
Related Literature
According to tripathy (1994), indicate that applications of technologies
have tremendous potential to reduce industrial energy use. Industrial energy use
can be also be reduce using variable speed drive in motor operated system, high
efficient motors, efficient nozzles in compressed-air system, waste heat recovery
system in boilers.
Interestingly, this literature has a certain similarity into our study that also
wanted to conserve energy that will be beneficial to residential sectors. In
contrast, this literature: had already suggested strategies in order to reduce
industrial energy usage such as the speed drive in operated system and etc.
while our study is currently developing most efficient strategies.
Mungwena and Rashana (2013), investigated the strategies for energy
efficiency impoverishment in Zimbabwean Industries using energy audit and the
Introduction techniques to. Tripathy BC. Energy Conservation with Efficient
Electric Drives. Energy conversion 1994; 36: 125-34. eliminate Substandard
equipment to help the residents who are suffering with electricity shortage
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this literature has a little bit similarity into our study that also aims to determine
the efficiency and conservation strategies of the residents.
Related literature differs to our study, because the purpose of their study
is to know the efficiency improvement of strategies applied in order to eliminate
the substandard equipment. While our study aims to know the strategies that our
respondents apply, in order to discover the most efficient that will be suggested
into households
. Habitan (2014), handled the research about the roadmap that guides the
Philippines in building an energy efficient nation, and in making energy efficiency
and conservation a way of life for all Filipinos. Energy efficiency will advance the
country's economic development and help ensure energy security, optimal
pricing and sustainable energy pricing and sustainable energy systems by
enforcing a regulation."
Literature has a similarity into our study that both targets to build an
efficient electric conservation. In difference, the purpose of thus literature is to
enforce a regulation that aims to efficiency and conservation Improvements.
While the purpose of our study is to know the strategies applied of our
respondents in order to conserve energy and to suggest energy saving methods.
Hangwena & Rashana (2013). "Strategies for Energy Efficiency Improvement in
intabusean Industries tising Energy Audit." (Energy and Power Engineering).
Habitan A Energy Efficiency and Conservation. Roadmap and Milestones
Challenges, 2014.
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The study Modeling Energy Conservation and CO: Mitigation in the
European Building Stock conducted in Chalmers University of Technology,
Goteborg, Sweden 2013.
Conducted by Erika Mata of Chalmers University of Technology,
investigate energy conservation in building stocks with the aim of developing a
methodology that can be applied to the building stocks of the European Union
(EU).
The likeness of the study Modeling Energy Conservation and CO₂
Mitigation in the European Building Stock to our study are both focuses on
energy conservation that aims to develop energy saving method. The difference
of our study and Modeling Energy Conservation and CO; Mitigation in the
European Building Stock; our study covers on the energy saving strategies of
households in order to conserve energy. Meanwhile, their study also covers the
electricity consumptions of buildings.
Another study entitled Energy Used and Emissions Reduction Strategies
for Structural Steel Fabrications: A Case Study conducted in Colorado State
University, Fort Collins, Colorado 2014. Erika Mata, Modeling Energy
Conservation and CO2 Mitigation in the European Building Stock. Goteborg,
Sweden, 2013. Erik A. Bergstrom, Energy Use and Emtasions Reduction
Strategies for Structural Steel Fabrications: A Case Study. Fort Collins Colorado
2014.
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Conducted by Erik A. Bergstrom that aims to determine the strategies in
order to lessen the energy consumption of structural steel fabrications.
Energy Use and Emissions Reduction Strategies for Structural Steel
Fabrications has a similarity into our study that also aims to know the strategies
in order to save energy. In some cases, Energy Use and Emissions Reduction
Strategies for Structural Steel Fabrications also differ into our study; because our
study aims to discover the energy saving strategy for households while their
study aims to determine the strategies for structural steel fabrications.
Household energy consumption, conservation & efficiency Prepared by
Stephanie Grantham Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant Alice Solar City.
Although many scientists worldwide accept that the global climate is being
influenced by human activities it appears that public misunderstanding
concerning the issue remains a barrier to effective action (Lowe et al. 2006;
Loren zoni & Hulme2009). In 1994, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT) concluded that public confusion about the influence of human
activities on climate change results from the neglect of two basic facts: “That
carbon dioxide will be primarily responsible for any global warming that does
occur; and that the major source of this carbon dioxide is burning fossil fuels”
(Read et al. 1994; Bulkeley 2000). Instead it has been demonstrated that the
public often attributes aerosols, insecticides, nuclear power generation and
ozone depletion with being potential causes of climate change (Bord et al. 2000;
Lowe et al. 2006). Lately, it is likely that increased global publicity surrounding
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the issue has enhanced public understanding. Though as Steg (2008 p. 4449)
has noted “given the complex processes involved, some confusion is still likely
Moreover, people know little about the energy use related to their
behaviour”. Individuals, for example, may use a ‘simple heuristic’ to determine
the energy use of appliances, potentially assuming that consumption is based
solely on size (Steg 2008). Individuals may also overlook the energy used in
activities such as water heating, reinforcing their misconstruction of appliance
contribution toward household energy consumption (Steg2008). The lack of
understanding regarding climate change may be equally enhanced by the
difficulty individuals face when associating the local with the global (Whitmarsh
2009a). More often than not, the social and environmental costs and benefits of
an individual’s action are far removed from the individual themselves (Hummel et
al. 1978).
The immediate personal benefit gained from turning on an air-conditioner,
for instance, may override the distant, widespread costs associated with that
action (Hummel et al. 1978). Individuals can have difficulty understanding the
ways in which their energy consumption choices influence environmental issues
(Whitmarsh2009b). Within the OECD countries, residential greenhouse gas
emissions (based on fossil fuel consumption) constitute approximately 15-20% of
total emissions (Abrahamse 2007). Locally, it has been suggested that
households within Alice Springs account for around 40% of the baseload
electricity supply alone. In submitting their argument for the creation of a ‘Solar
City’ within Alice Springs, the Alice Springs Town Council maintained that this
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level of usage provided reasonable grounds for a large and varied intervention
(ASTC 2006). In response, the Alice Springs Solar City project has been
designed to explore the ways in which energy efficiency, solar technologies and
energy pricing can combine to invoke changes within residential and commercial
energy consumption, potentially enabling a reduction in greenhouse gas
emissions. Since the residential sector is a crucial element of energy programs,
the literature presented within this review has been primarily selected for its
relevance to energy conservation within households.
To enable an effective comparison with the academic information, this
paper begins with a basic overview of the Solar City, Alice Springs. Socio-
demographic correlation with energy use, methods for altering household energy
consumption, the rebound effect, environmental behaviour models and potential
methods for measuring participant knowledge, attitude and behaviour have
likewise been summarised. It is hoped that this will provide a strong and useful
knowledge base, especially within the framework of the Alice Solar City project.
Principally, two approaches are employed to produce a reduction in household
energy consumption. Psychological (also known as informational) strategies are
often based on the provision of information, and aim to alter an individual’s
knowledge, perceptions or habits. It is generally assumed that mental changes
will eventually affect consumption behaviour (Steg 2008). Structural strategies,
on the other hand, address the context of energy consumption (by providing
incentives, for example) - effectively making the conservation or efficient use of
energy more appealing to the individual (Steg 2008). While the Alice Solar City
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project utilises both approaches, it appears that structural methods are
predominately employed. It is easier to encourage household energy
conservation/efficiency by providing incentives (thus making a reduction in
energy use attractive to individuals). As mentioned earlier, when required to
reduce energy use people tend to avoid behavioural measures and changes in
consumption patterns, unless they are easily achieved (Poortinga et al. 2003).
Yet, the fact remains that psychological strategies should not be overlooked.
Attempts to change an individual’s knowledge, perceptions or habits may be
longer lasting than those immediate measures employed to make a reduction in
energy usage attractive in the short term. Psychological (informational)
Strategies. Although there have been some successful informational strategies
implemented (e.g. Daamen et al. 2001; Benders et al. 2006; Abrahamse et al.
2007; Schultz et al. 2007), more often than not, information campaigns only
result in slight behavioural modifications (Steg 2008). Previous research
conducted in Belgium (2004-2005) concluded that households with a greater
understanding of climate change do not act in a more sustainable way (Bartiaux
2008).
It seems that a higher level of environmental awareness does not
guarantee that the knowledge will actually be put into practice (Ehrlich et al.
1999). However, this may be in part caused by the misunderstandings related to
energy and behaviour (page 1), the types of information available and the ways
in which it is presented to the public. As Gardner & Stern (2008) point out, many
of the books and articles providing residential advice on energy saving measures
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present the information in lengthy, unranked lists of suggested actions. This may
subsequently lead the public to assume that actions such as changing to low-
energy light bulbs have the same effect as reducing air-conditioning run times or
temperatures. By presenting advice on energy saving methods this way (i.e
unranked), action lists have the potential to become counterproductive toward
energy conservation/efficiency (Gardner & Stern 2008). Individuals may
overvalue and feel satisfied with their relatively minor actions, and may not be
motivated to engage in further action (Gardner and Stern 2008). Interestingly, the
previously mentioned Belgian study also determined that householders who
received customised advice aimed at procuring energy savings rarely followed
the advice given; only 11% of the suggested measures were implemented within
the first year (Bartiaux 2008). It therefore appears that informational strategies
tend to be very effective when the change in behaviour requested is relatively
easy, cheap, doesn’t take much time, does not incur social disapproval and does
not limit the lifestyle of the individual (Steg 2008)
Structural strategies, in contrast, encourage individuals to alter energy
consumption behaviour in situations when the change required is costly or
difficult (Steg 2008). A Swedish study conducted in 2008 (Nair et al. 2009)
demonstrated that less than 20% of the respondents interviewed planned to
improve the energy efficiency of their building structure over the following 3 years
(Nair et al. 2010). The results of this and other studies (Eurobarometer 2007;
Mahapatra & Gustavsson 2008) seemingly indicate that, with all other things
being equal, household favour ‘non-investment measures’- easily achieved
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habitual measures such as turning off a light or appliance to improve their
household energy efficiency (Nair et al. 2010). However, reducing the external
barriers to pro-environmental actions (e.g. lowering the cost of installing
household insulation by providing financial incentives) effectively changes the
context of the behaviour to be performed and addresses household preference
for non-investment measures (Steg 2008). The perception, attitude and
motivation of householders may also be indirectly altered as a result, potentially
eliciting further action (Steg 2008).
Within the Alice Solar City project structural strategies (providing
incentives to increase the uptake of household energy efficiency measures,
elevated buyback for PV produced electricity, 10:10/20:20 incentive etc.) aim to
reward and therefore encourage the “good” energy behaviour of participants.
Rewarding positive actions (as opposed to enforcing sanctions) tends to be more
effective in encouraging constructive environmental behaviour, as rewards are
often associated with positive change and attitude (Steg 2008). However, given
that the positive reinforcement of behaviour generally produces changes that
may not persist in the longer term, individuals often revert to their original
behaviour once the rewards are removed (Steg 2008). It should furthermore be
noted that the uptake of structural household investment measures, including
those offered as part of the Alice Solar City project, can be influenced by external
factors. Nair et al. (2010) suggest that householders who perceive the cost of
their energy usage as high are generally more willing to implement investment
measures. Likewise, home ownership (as opposed to rental), previous
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experience with implementing energy efficiency measures, householder
education, age and income may all limit or encourage the uptake of investment
measures (Nair et al. 2010). As with the influence of demographic variables on
energy usage, these factors may present interesting trends for examination
within the structure of the Alice Solar City project additionally, active household
energy conservation and efficiency do not always result in energy usage
reduction, even when encouraged by the previously mentioned strategies. In
many instances, the rebound effect (also known as the ‘takeback’ effect) may
prove to negate the energy savings made or increase overall energy
consumption. Explained in the following section, the rebound effect presents an
interesting dilemma when attempting to elicit energy savings. Is it possible to
reduce energy use by increasing efficiency and encouraging conservation or are
the associated effects likely to instead reduce the effectiveness of the initial
actions? ‘Simple economic theory’, as outlined by Sorrell (2009), would suggest
that the latter may be the case.
To achieve energy efficiency, most of the times managers must follow
steps to implement an energy efficiency program. Although there are barriers that
prevent these programs from being deployed successfully. In his research,
Minchener (2000) states that to implement energy efficiency with success in a
country like China, it is necessary to mitigate the barriers with actions such as
introduction of more effective procedures for developing and supporting energy
efficiency improvements. The main problems related to the environment and the
difficulties related to the implementation of energy conservation programs are
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listed in Dincer (2003) article which also proposes key steps to implement them
successfully. Chai and Baudelaire (2015) try to understand the energy efficiency
barriers in Singapore, using a theoretical framework based on the Motivation,
Opportunity, and Ability (MOA) theory.
Trianni et al. (2014) provide a structured basis of the drivers that promote
industrial energy efficiency, as well as knowledge on energy efficiency measures
and comprehension of the barriers blocking their adoption.
Thollander and Ottosson (2008) study the barriers that exist and prevent
energy efficiency from happening. It is showed that a lot of times, these barriers
are a consequence of how the energy issue is organized within the companies.
Hasanbeigi et al. (2010) also study this matter in Thailand, and they found out
that the most important barrier results from management addressed to
production and other matters rather than energy efficiency.
Aiming at removing some of these barriers, government policies might
help the achievement of energy efficiency. Worrell and Price (2001) investigate
scenarios related to energy use, taking into account the US public policy, seeking
the potential of public policies and technological programs for the efficient use of
energy. Bashmakov and Myshak (2014) evaluate if energy efficiency policies
launched in Russian Federation are effective.
Viklund (2015) studies excess heat utilization from an industrial
perspective, seeking to present how excess heat recovery are promoted or
discouraged through policy instruments. Rogan et al. (2014) build a model that
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shows energy demand and supply in Ireland, allowing evaluating and providing
insights for energy efficiency policies. Kesicki and Yanagisawa (2015) explain
how the industrial sector is modeled according to the International Energy
Agency’s World Energy outlook, and presents opportunities for energy saving in
the sector.
Since the ISO 50001 was created, there are requirements that industry
must follow to be certificated. In their article, Gopalakrishnan et al. (2014)
describe a methodology referred to as the ISO 50001 Analyzer to facilitate the
development of an ISO 50001 energy compliant management system.
A few other studies show how the application of Energy Efficiency
programs are made in the countries researched. Fleiter et al. (2012) evaluate the
program established in Germany to provide grants for energy audits in small and
medium enterprises and how to overcome barriers to energy efficiency. In the
Hasanbeigi et al. (2011) research, the potential application of a set of energy
efficiency measures is evaluated for the Thai cement industry, and the potential
improvement of these measures is estimated.
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Chapter 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter outlines the various activities involved in operationalizing the
research. It covers the research design, locale of the study, the respondents,
research instrument, data gathering procedure, and statistical treatment of the
data.
Research Design
The current study used the quantitative design of research. A structured
survey questionnaire was developed to gather the needed data. The
questionnaire was administered personally by the researchers to the
respondents in order to get feedback and information that may help in the
interpretation of findings.
Research Environment
The study will be conducted in Tanauan, Leyte, particularly in the following
barangays: Lapay, Binongto-an, Kiling. Catigbian and Malaguicay for the reason
that it is the nearest rural barangays and the researchers are from these areas.
Research Respondents
The respondents of this study were the residents of the five selected
barangays in Tanauan, Leyte, namely: Lapay, Binongto-an, Kiling. Catigbian and
Malaguicay.
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Research Instrument
A structured survey questionnaire was designed as research instrument.
To elicit responses to the problems identified in the survey stage, the
questionnaire was composed of two main parts. The first part covers the profile
of the respondents in terms of employment and average monthly income. The
second part covers the electrical lightings and home appliances that the
respondents, use in their homes; electric bill that the respondents pay every
month; strategies that the respondents apply in order to conserve electricity; the
problems that the respondents encounter regarding electricity conservation; and
the recommendations that can be drawn in order to solve the problems that the
respondents encounter regarding electricity conservation.
The researchers utilize the general format and ranking, as an easy way to
gather information from the respondents for them to easily answer the questions
since it is provided with possible answers to choose from.
Instrument Validation
The pilot done was to ensure the reliability of the instrument. It was
conducted 5 barangays in selected barangay of Tanauan Leyte with (15)
respondents each.
Data Gathering Procedure
The researcher used a four items (4) of each questionnaire for the survey
method.
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The researcher handed a letter to the campus director and the department
head asking the approval to conduct data gathering to through survey method of
BSIT Electricity student. The researcher kept the confidentially of the participants
in the present study of using codes in the checklist instead of using of their
information during the transcription and analysis of the interview.
Data Analysis
The method of the data analysis follows the qualitative approach after
gathering the data from the respondents. The researcher tallied their response
using Microsoft excel. Bar graph was computed.
Ethical Consideration
The researchers adheres to the ethical codes and policies for research
conduct of the study Written permissions for the conduct of the study were
submitted to the office of the Head Department. The researcher kept the
confidentially of the respondents in the present study by using codes in the
checklist instead of using the information using analysis of the interview.