Promoting Energy Conservation in Master‐Metered Apartments through Group Financial Incentives1

An energy conservation contest among four groups of apartments (44 to 70 units each) in a University of Colorado family housing complex was conducted February‐April, 1977. The winning group in each of six 2‐week contests won 80 to use however it determined. The program produced a drop of about 10% in use of natural gas during the first contest; energy savings were smaller but still statistically significant throughout the first 8 weeks. Over a 12‐week period, savings averaged 6. 6%. Some changes in energy‐using behaviors were reported by residents surveyed at the contest's end; however, knowledge of contest results by residents was minimal. The results are compared to those of other contest and rebate programs, the practical problems of costs exceeding savings and inaccurate estimates of energy savings are discussed, and implications for future research are suggested.