Electrical power behavioral usage in public institutions and its intervention: a case of tanzania higher learning institutions

Abstract

Public institutions in developing countries, taking Tanzania as an example, are facing huge electricity consumption bills caused by inefficient utilization of electrical power. The causes of inefficient power usage can be due to the users’ behavioral and inadequacy of technology deployment in electric controlling infrastructure. This study explores the users’ behavior and the consequences of inefficient power utilization in Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs). Around 85% of the sampled participants in the selected HLIs were least concerned with power saving strategies while using office facilities. The study reveals that inefficient energy consumption may result in high electrical power bills, unnecessary energy waste, psychological effects caused by inability to pay electrical bills and distress resulting from frequent power outages. Besides, the study proposes both behavioral- and technological-based interventions for electrical power saving in HLIs.

Role of Renewable Energy Policies for Effective Climate Change Mitigation Actions in Tanzania

“…From the reviewed literature, most of the studies in the country (by August 2022) were on climate change adaptation (Kangalawe et al, 2011;Ndaki, 2014;Bahati & Kalugendo, 2017;Luhunga, 2018;Said et al, 2019;Shagega et al, 2019;Mourice, 2020;Chang'a et al, 2020;Doughertya et al, 2020;Birthe et al, 2020;Alemaw & Simatele, 2020;Mngumi, 2020;Nyembo et al, 2022;Mswima & Kaswamila, 2022). Where a study focused on climate change mitigation and energy, it was not on mitigation policies in the renewable energy sub-sector (Mwakaje, 2008;Rickerson et al, 2010;Marie-Louise et al, 2011;Ahlborg & Hammar, 2012;Ngaira & Omwayi;Sarakikya, 2015;Wood et al, 2016;Kashwan, 2017;Harnesk & Brogaard, 2017;Obadia et al, 2018;Ngowi et al, 2019;Obadia et al, 2020;Alemaw & Simatele, 2020;Rocco et al, 2020;Mhache, 2021;Olabisi & Richardson, 2022;Bazila et al, 2022;Rugaimukamu, 2022;Kristin, 2022;Mnzava et al;, Adornetto, 2022Gill-Wiehl et al, 2022).…”

“…Mswima and Kaswamila (2022) assessed the role of ecovillage practices in strengthening climate change adaptive capacity and mitigating desertification in Chololo, Dodoma, Tanzania. Olabisi and Richardson (2022) studied the reasons for the poor paying higher energy prices; while Bazila et al (2022) assessed the electrical power behavioural usage in public institutions and its intervention in higher learning institutions in Tanzania.…”