Sustainable domestic energy use in North Queensland

Five hundred householders were interviewed to gain an understanding of domestic electricity use in Mt Isa and Townsville. Collaborating with the North Queensland Electricity Board, reported behaviour and indications of attitude toward energy were related to metered electricity use. This was done to find causes of electricity wastage by North Queensland householders; develop recommendations to reduce that wastage, and develop strategies to reduce the evening peak electricity demand. Analysis showed little connection between stated attitudes to energy conservation and electricity used by householders. An extensive literature review confirms my findings that many people lack knowledge clarifying energy supply and use issues, and lack meaningful price signals to take energy conservation and renewable energy seriously. Increased electricity price was reported as the most likely cause for serious personal electricity conservation. I conclude that extensive public education about energy supply and use should be coupled with responsible pricing of electricity, to encourage urban dwellers to develop more sustainable energy supply and use patterns. About half of domestic energy in the tropics is used for cooling food, drink and interior space during the hotter months. Rationalising use of air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers, and encouraging passive building design should be strenuously promoted by environmentally responsible government.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

rmasters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

James Cook University

Year dc:date.issued

1995

Author dc:creator

• Goudie, Douglas

Language dc:language

en