Report of the proceedings of the Energy Research and Development Administration workshop on consumer motivation and behavior regarding energy conservation: identification of R and D opportunities

Conference · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1976

OSTI ID:7088211

The thirty-one participants at the meeting represented a broad spectrum of expertise and experience in various fields. Several research opportunities in the areas of information, incentives, data needs, and social issues were recommended by the discussion groups. The Purchase Group identified and discussed strategies and programs to motivate consumers to purchase more energy-efficient technologies and products, both existing and new. The Practice Group talked about ways to motivate consumers to adopt and maintain more energy-efficient practices and habits. The Institutional Group considered the institutional factors that influence an individual's purchasing decisions and practices by encouraging or discouraging conservation behaviors, providing mechanisms that extend the consumer's ability to adopt more energy-efficient technologies, and by furnishing information and feedback for consumers about energy consumption and conservation opportunities. The Institutional group also recommended that the current FPC natural gas allocation policy be revised to eliminate its inherent disincentives to conservation by states. A policy designed to facilitate the processes and shorten the time involved in obtaining building permits for energy-efficient structures was also mentioned by the Institutional group. Two solar energy issues were raised by the Institutional group: (1) the numerous legal, social, and economic issues surrounding utility ownership of solar equipment should be thoroughly, systematically evaluated; and (2) the several alternative methods by which utilities can charge their solar energy customers need to be assessed. (MCW)

• Research Organization: Washington Scientific Marketing, Inc., D.C. (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7088211
• Report Number(s): CONF-761215-
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
291000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Conservation
DECISION MAKING
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY POLICY
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INFORMATION
MEETINGS
PUBLIC OPINION
PUBLIC RELATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SOCIAL IMPACT