The impact of economic recession on domestic energy consumption

The ongoing economic recession that hit Greece in 2009 has considerably influenced the use of domestic heating sources, as households struggle to reduce energy consumption and the respective costs. With global energy demand and the heating oil prices being rather volatile, but not in extremis during the last five years, alternative heating systems with the respective resources are being considered by consumers, in order to cut down heating expenses. At the same time, these alternatives are not always the greener or the most sustainable ones. The current paper presents and analyses the impacts of the recession on the consumers’ behaviour regarding space heating. A field survey was carried out, by means of interviews with questionnaires, in Northern Greece, an area where there is an increased energy demand for heating and hence an intensive need for efficient solutions. The questionnaire was structured in an appropriate way in order to collect the available data, not only to identify the significant variables but also to capture any minor details that could be helpful in achieving our goal: gain reliable information about the energy consumption and the respective cost of heating at an annual base as well as their interconnection. The variables employed in the survey include among others: the building type, construction year, surface, main heating system, alternative heating systems (fireplace, AC unit, electric heater and stove), operating hours, saving measures, energy consumption and annual income. Any potential correlation between the aforementioned parameters will be explored while a mathematical description of their relation will be further attempted. The results of the survey carried out during 2011 and 2012 are presented and the most noteworthy conclusions are highlighted. The initial outcome proves that there is a certain trend of shrinkage of the households’ budget spent for domestic heating purposes as a consequence of the inhabitants’ income reduction and the dramatic tax increase on energy.