Analysis of household electricity consumption in Tampico, Tamaulipas

Abstract

The demand for electricity in the city of Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has significantly increased in recent decades, primarily due to economic and demographic growth, and consumer behavior. This study estimated the effects of number of network users, price of the service, average income of users, and seasonal effects on household electricity consumption. The analysis was carried out using an econometric model with time series, during the period from 1998 to 2005, at monthly frequency. Results showed that 1 % increment in the number of network users, increased energy consumption in 1.35 %; while increments of 1 % in domestic prices reduced consumption in 0.25 %. These values indicate that families in Tampico do not reduce their consumption significantly due to increases in tariff. Therefore, to stimulate energy savings and consequently reduce impacts on the environment, more efficient household electrical appliances must be produced and awareness raising programs must be created to encourage a savings culture in the region.