Socioeconomic Challenges of Household Electricity Consumption: Demand-Side Management Practices

Household electricity consumption patterns and the extent of demand-side management practices are significantly shaped by prevailing socioeconomic challenges. In the face of rising household electricity demand driven by global warming and climate change and constrained supply growth, this study examines the role of demand-side management practices among households in energy conservation by encouraging efficient use and minimizing wastage. This study relies on primary data gathered during 2022 from 100 households located in Kannur Municipal Corporation, Kerala, India, through the administration of a structured questionnaire. For data analysis, SPSS software was used, and the study applied statistical methods, including percentage analysis, chi-square tests, and factor analysis, along with charts and graphs for effective presentation and interpretation of findings. The study revealed that 66% of the sample respondents have low to medium average monthly electricity consumption. It is revealed that there exists no significant relation between family size and household electricity consumption. The study highlights the highest scope for demand management practices in the study area, since 84% of the sample respondents do not use any alternative source of energy. Factor analysis conducted to identify the status of household practices on electricity management revealed that energy conservation measures accounted for the highest proportion, namely 26.57% of the variance. The findings of the study, which underscore the influence of socioeconomic challenges on the adoption of demand management practices, offer important directions for future strategies and policies to effectively address issues of affordability, inclusiveness, and sustainable household energy consumption.