Energy tax credits and housing improvement

Thesis/Dissertation · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6955901

Walsh, M J

This dissertation investigates whether federal and state tax credits allowed to households who make capital improvements to increase the energy efficiency of their dwellings lead to an increase in improvement activity. Existing survey evidence regarding the awareness and usage of energy tax credits is reviewed. A two-period utility maximization model of household behavior is then developed and used to determine the theoretical influence of tax credits, energy prices and other relevant factors on the optimal magnitude of conservation capital improvement. Regressions using various qualitative measure of conservation capital improvement. Regressions using various qualitative measures of conservation improvement magnitudes as a dependent variable are estimated using household level data from the 1982 Residential Energy Consumption Survey. The results are used to test various hypotheses generated by the behavioral model. Consistent with earlier research, the empirical tests performed here do not provide evidence to support the hypothesis that energy tax credits lead to more widespread or extensive energy conservation improvement activity.

• Research Organization: Michigan State Univ., East Lansing (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6955901
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
291000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Conservation
BUILDINGS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY POLICY
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
HOUSES
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
RETROFITTING
STATE GOVERNMENT
SURVEYS
TAX CREDITS