Households’ Domestic Energy Consumption in Informal Settlements of Woreda 12, Yeka Sub City, Addis Ababa
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Date
2022-07-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The objective of this study is to examine households’ domestic energy consumption in informal settlements of Woreda 12, Yeka Sub City, Addis Ababa. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from 450 households using questionnaires, interviews, documentary reviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression models. The findings showed that the education level of the household head; size and stability of income; shelter size and condition; suitability of the dwelling place to the urban plan; years lived in the area; and availability and reliability of energy sources affect households’ access to electricity. Food Consumption Behaviors (FCB) such as the taste and flavor of food stuff, and cooking cultural dishes also determine the choice of energy. However, sex of the household head, size and title of land held, and proximity to electric line do not show any discernible effect on access to electricity (Objective 1). Yet sources of energy determine households’ home-based business activities and income generated from those businesses (Objective 2). Households’ low and unstable income, unaffordable connection fees, progressive electric tariffs, inadequate power supply and frequent interruption are the key challenges of households. These challenges forced them to change FCBs, take energy conservation and coping strategies, share electric meters in groups, accept temporary and less power consuming electric services (Objective 3). The adoption of Improved Cook Stoves (ICS) depends on households’ electric-use status, education level, years lived in the area and home type owned, availability of energy sources and subsidies, and the quality and price of the stove. However, land title and income levels have no relationships with ICS use and electric-users are found using more three-stone stoves than ICS (Objective 4). The study noted the need to revise electric tariffs based on energy sources, households’ proximity to electric facility and seasonal variations in power supply, load shifting by setting responsive electric tariffs, and avoid progressive tariff set indiscriminately for all. The government on its part should legalize informal settlers and provide electricity based on the number of years households lived in the area; suitability of the land held to the urban plan; involve a broad range of private suppliers; and direct subsidies and discounts only to households using electricity for primary functions, during off-peak hours, ICS and solar home systems. Other actors such as the private sector, non-profit foundations, and households should also take their part in solving the energy problem in informal settlements.
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Keywords
Coping strategies, Domestic use, Electric access, ICS, Informal settlement