Page 54 - RASAS 2025

10 Ruhuna Arts Student’s Annual Sessions (RASAS) -2025
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Factors Affecting Household Electricity Consumption in the Delgoda Area of
Gampaha District

T.A.N. Nuwanthika
Department of Economics, University of Ruhuna
ninu620ni@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Energy, as a basic input for all economic activities, including industrial production, transportation, and

household consumption, is essential for economic growth. The main objective of the study is to identify the
key determinants affecting household electricity consumption in the Delgoda area of Gampaha District, and

the sub-objectives are to distinguish consumer awareness of energy conservation, to identify the impact of
house design on electricity consumption, and to investigate the need for policies to reduce the cost of energy
consumption. To study the main determinants of household electricity consumption, the demand function was

implemented based on basic demand theory. This study is predominantly based on primary data. A Google-
based online survey was conducted to collect data from households. Due to the unavailability of a population
frame, a convenience-sampling technique was used. The results show that the average household electricity

consumption in the Delgoda area is 102.5 kWh per month. The research has revealed that a large portion of
electricity is allocated for cooling. Multiple regression revealed that the number of family members, income,
employment status of the household head and housewife, number of rooms, household type, and number of

electrical appliances used in the household are the critical determinants of electricity consumption in the
Delgoda area. This study identified that the number of rooms is the most critical factor in electricity

consumption. Most households are aware of energy-saving appliances. This study provides a great opportunity
for energy saving through energy-saving appliances. Therefore, it is essential to promote the use of energy-
saving household appliances and implement policies in the household sector to reduce the high energy

consumption in the Delgoda area of the Gampaha District.

Keywords: consumer awareness, electricity consumption, energy conservation, demand theory, multiple
regression analysis

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