Sorting Algorithm Applied in Geographical Regions Using Residential Electricity Consumption Indicators

Abstract

The electricity consumption per capita in Ecuador almost doubled between 1999 and 2017. Although electricity, gas and fuels are subsidized by the state, and thus generate savings for users, this often leads to inefficient use or bad energy consumption habits in the population. The current economic situation in the country has urged reconsidering the continuity of fuel subsidies, so prices have been adjusted. It is evident that the continued elimination of subsidies will negatively impact Ecuadorian low and middleincome families, becoming necessary to find alternatives and possible solutions regarding energy, while also familiarizing with the profile and habits of electricity consumption in residences. A sorting algorithm based on Theory of Decision in Uncertainty is implemented to rank 8 urban-marginal areas in Guayaquil City according to 14 indicators that significantly impact energy consumption. From 700 thousand users of urban-marginal areas of Ecuador, 200 thousand can be found in Guayaquil. The information of some indicators of electrical consumption collected in surveys applied in residences of the areas is used as an ordering criterion. Results will show the differences between those areas and will be useful for later studies or for decision-making processes of competent authorities in order to improve living conditions while maintaining rational indicators of electrical consumption. Los Esteros, Guasmo and Vergeles present the best consumption pattern, in comparison with Bastión Popular and Flor de Bastión, which show the worst results in regards to the consumption among the 8 areas studied.