Voluntarism and price response: consumer reaction to the energy shortage

Journal Article · · Bell J. Econ. Manage. Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3003204· OSTI ID:7180635

Peck, A E; Doering, III, O C

In the winter 1973-1974, households using natural gas and liquid petroleum gas for heating were confronted by quite different price situations, though both were subjected to social pressure to conserve fuels. This paper examines data from a sample of these households over a three-year period to test the hypothesis that something more than a national conservation program is needed to create desired changes in consumption patterns. The results show that the national conservation ethic was not an effective inducement to change significantly household fuel-use efficiency. Households did make significant adjustments when, in addition to the conservation policy, they confronted higher prices. (auth)

• Research Organization: Purdue Univ., Lafayette, IN
• OSTI ID: 7180635
• Journal Information: Bell J. Econ. Manage. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Bell J. Econ. Manage. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 7:1; ISSN BJEMA
• 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
298000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Consumption & Utilization
BEHAVIOR
BUILDINGS
CHARGES
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY SHORTAGES
FUEL CONSUMPTION
GREAT LAKES REGION
HOUSES
INDIANA
NORTH AMERICA
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
RESIDENTIAL SECTOR
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
USA