Can behavioral intentions predict domestic electricity consumer's actual behavior towards energy efficiency?

Abstract

To reduce domestic electricity consumers consumption of electricity is a global concern. This pilot study investigates the extent to which domestic electricity consumers intend to use and use energy efficiently. A co-relational research design was used to investigate the relationship between the predictor variables and the independent variables in the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior which was selected as theoretical framework. A convenience stratified sample of 61 domestic electricity consumers was selected. A questionnaire and telephone response log was used to collect data. Simple linear regression analysis indicates significant statistical evidence of a linear relation between the predictor variables and the independent variables. The participants intended to save between 2% and 35% of their electricity consumption and the actual electricity consumption savings were between 2% and 30%.