Energy Conservation Awareness among Residential Consumers in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Energy efficiency and conservation practices can significantly help governments to reduce electricity demand if well developed and utilized. Saudi Arabia boasts the world’s largest proven oil reserves. The Saudi Arabia wealth of energy resources has allowed the country to keep domestic energy prices low, through a system of direct and indirect subsides. However, Saudi Arabia is facing unrestrained energy consumption, which has increased by more than 30% since 2000. The inefficient consumption of energy is costing the country’s budget heavily in subsidizing the sector. This study measures the Saudi residential sector awareness of energy conservation best practices and the challenges facing the energy sector in the Kingdom. The residential sector is the biggest sector in energy consumption. A questionnaire survey was designed and implemented. The survey quantitatively and qualitatively assessed consumers’ awareness in billing, efficient appliances and lighting systems. The survey findings suggest that Saudi consumer behaviors in energy are influenced by economic, educational, social, and cultural factors.