TY - JOUR DP - National Agricultural Library DB - PubAg JO - Energy for sustainable development TI - Energy perceptions in South Africa: An analysis of behaviour and understanding of electric water heaters A1 - Nel, P.J.C. A4 - Nel, P.J.C. A4 - Booysen, M.J. A4 - van der Merwe, B. EP - 2016 v.32 KW - energy KW - energy conservation KW - heaters KW - motivation KW - national surveys KW - questionnaires KW - willingness to pay KW - South Africa AN - 6073889 AB - Using data from an online national survey conducted in South Africa, this paper aims to investigate: the awareness of energy savings measures for electric water heaters (EWHs); whether or not consumers are implementing suggested measures; and if consumers understand and effectively control their EWHs' energy usage. Additionally, the data is used to determine the success of educational and rebate programmes aimed at reducing residential energy usage and to determine possible motivations for encouraging users to reduce or alter their EWH energy and warm water consumption. The results of this questionnaire indicate that: convenience is a key factor in consumers' willingness to implement curtailment actions; users don't understand the energy consumption of their EWHs; and they don't know how to control their EWHs efficiently. PY - 2016 LA - DA - 2016-06 VL - v. 32 SP - pp. 62-70 DO - 10.1016/j.esd.2016.03.006 ER -