Energy Efficiency Energy Efficiency in Saint Luciain Saint Lucia

Byron T. Murray, Heidi M. Neil Byron T. Murray, Heidi M. Neil & &

Travis W. ReynoldsTravis W. Reynolds

Statement of the problemStatement of the problem

““People need to know about energy People need to know about energy saver bulbs because energy is so saver bulbs because energy is so expensive here. It is very expensive here. It is very important.” important.” Male, age 28, CastriesMale, age 28, Castries

““Saving energy is an important part Saving energy is an important part of any country’s development.” of any country’s development.” Male, age 44, Soufriere Male, age 44, Soufriere

Project ObjectivesProject Objectives

Engage in an island-wide promotion of Engage in an island-wide promotion of energy-efficient practicesenergy-efficient practices

Design and implement a consumer Design and implement a consumer education campaigneducation campaign

Conduct consumer surveys on energy Conduct consumer surveys on energy efficiencyefficiency

Pre-TravelPre-Travel

Develop an in-depth understanding Develop an in-depth understanding of energy efficiency and CFL bulbsof energy efficiency and CFL bulbs

Conduct literature reviewConduct literature review Review last year’s workReview last year’s work

Correspond with project partnersCorrespond with project partners Research funding opportunitiesResearch funding opportunities

Create survey questionnaire and Create survey questionnaire and educational materialseducational materials

MethodsMethods

Sampling methodSampling method Convenience samplingConvenience sampling Focus on consumersFocus on consumers

Personal intercept surveysPersonal intercept surveys Semi-structured interviewsSemi-structured interviews IncentivesIncentives

267 surveys 267 surveys completedcompleted

264 used for this study264 used for this study

61% men, 39% women61% men, 39% women

60% urban, 40% rural60% urban, 40% rural

Range of income levels Range of income levels representedrepresented

ResultsResults

63% of those interviewed were familiar 63% of those interviewed were familiar with energy efficiencywith energy efficiency

Most common sources of knowledge:Most common sources of knowledge: Television (34.1%)Television (34.1%) Radio (29.2%)Radio (29.2%) Word-of-mouth (28%)Word-of-mouth (28%)

Level of understanding is not related to Level of understanding is not related to gender, but strongly related to incomegender, but strongly related to income

Knowledge of Energy EfficiencyKnowledge of Energy Efficiency

Understanding the Difference Understanding the Difference

Between Incandescent and Energy Saver Light Between Incandescent and Energy Saver Light BulbsBulbs

MonthlyMonthly Income (EC Dollars) Income (EC Dollars)

0-9990-999 1000-1000-19991999

2000-2000-29992999

3000-3000-39993999 4000+4000+

Know Know DifferencDifferenc

ee

38.338.3%%

71.4%71.4% 79.5%79.5% 82.6%82.6% 87.2%87.2%

Results, continuedResults, continued

58.3% of those interviewed currently use 58.3% of those interviewed currently use at least one energy-saver CFL bulbat least one energy-saver CFL bulb Majority of households with energy-saver Majority of households with energy-saver

bulbs have only 1 (29%) or 2 (31%) bulbsbulbs have only 1 (29%) or 2 (31%) bulbs

84% of those interviewed would like to 84% of those interviewed would like to purchase more energy-efficient productspurchase more energy-efficient products

Barriers to buying energy Barriers to buying energy efficient productsefficient products

CostCost

Lack of KnowledgeLack of Knowledge particularly particularly

regarding appliancesregarding appliances

AvailabilityAvailability QualityQuality

High level of High level of interest in energy-interest in energy-saver CFL bulbssaver CFL bulbs

Willingness to pay Willingness to pay more for quality more for quality productsproducts

Results, continuedResults, continued

RecommendationsRecommendations

Short TermShort Term Increase public awareness regarding efficiencyIncrease public awareness regarding efficiency “ “If people knew, no one would If people knew, no one would notnot want to use want to use

it.” it.” - Female, age 58, Vieux Fort- Female, age 58, Vieux Fort

Long TermLong Term Focus on consumer educationFocus on consumer education

Win/Win Situations:Win/Win Situations: Revolving loan fundRevolving loan fund

Project PartnersProject Partners Ministry of Physical Development, Ministry of Physical Development,

Environment, Housing & PlanningEnvironment, Housing & Planning Ministry of Consumer AffairsMinistry of Consumer Affairs Climate CareClimate Care Johnson's HardwareJohnson's Hardware Alfred’s HardwareAlfred’s Hardware University of Vermont Center for University of Vermont Center for

Rural StudiesRural Studies

Thank you.Thank you.