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Energy Efficiency in Saint Lucia. Byron T. Murray, Heidi M. Neil & Travis W. Reynolds. Statement of the problem. “People need to know about energy saver bulbs because energy is so expensive here. It is very important.” Male, age 28, Castries
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Energy Efficiency in Saint Lucia Byron T. Murray, Heidi M. Neil & Travis W. Reynolds
Statement of the problem • “People need to know about energy saver bulbs because energy is so expensive here. It is very important.” • Male, age 28, Castries • “Saving energy is an important part of any country’s development.” • Male, age 44, Soufriere
Project Objectives • Engage in an island-wide promotion of energy-efficient practices • Design and implement a consumer education campaign • Conduct consumer surveys on energy efficiency
Pre-Travel • Develop an in-depth understanding of energy efficiency and CFL bulbs • Conduct literature review • Review last year’s work • Correspond with project partners • Research funding opportunities • Create survey questionnaire and educational materials
Methods • Sampling method • Convenience sampling • Focus on consumers • Personal intercept surveys • Semi-structured interviews • Incentives
267 surveys completed • 264 used for this study • 61% men, 39% women • 60% urban, 40% rural • Range of income levels represented
Results • 63% of those interviewed were familiar with energy efficiency • Most common sources of knowledge: • Television (34.1%) • Radio (29.2%) • Word-of-mouth (28%) • Level of understanding is not related to gender, but strongly related to income
Results, continued • 58.3% of those interviewed currently use at least one energy-saver CFL bulb • Majority of households with energy-saver bulbs have only 1 (29%) or 2 (31%) bulbs • 84% of those interviewed would like to purchase more energy-efficient products
Barriers to buying energy efficient products • Cost • Lack of Knowledge • particularly regarding appliances • Availability • Quality
Results, continued • High level of interest in energy-saver CFL bulbs • Willingness to pay more for quality products
Recommendations • Short Term • Increase public awareness regarding efficiency “If people knew, no one would not want to use it.” - Female, age 58, Vieux Fort • Long Term • Focus on consumer education • Win/Win Situations: • Revolving loan fund
Project Partners • Ministry of Physical Development, Environment, Housing & Planning • Ministry of Consumer Affairs • Climate Care • Johnson's Hardware • Alfred’s Hardware • University of Vermont Center for Rural Studies