nowledge and perceptions of add- on electrical geyser efficiency technologies held by contractors in Durban

Abstract

Globally, energy losses take away as much as 40% of the primary energy during distribution. Recovering this lost energy by employing more energy efficient practices can make a significant difference to the available energy. In South Africa, the residential sector makes up approximately 17% - 35% of electricity demand during peak demand periods, primarily due to the large usage of household electric water heaters commonly known as geysers. Plumbing and electrical contractors who install and maintain electrical geysers are at a strategic position to act as intermediaries to influence households towards the adoption of more energy efficient practices. This paper, therefore, investigates the extent of knowledge and perceptions held by these contractors regarding the various add-on technologies that can be used to make geysers more energy efficient. A non-experimental, quantitative research approach using questionnaires was used to, firstly, evaluate the factors that would influence the intention of contractors working in the Durban area to take up the aforementioned intermediary role. Secondly, this research sought to assess the extent of the knowledge held by contractors in the formal versus the informal sectors. Lastly, the research sought to evaluate the relationship between the contractors’ knowledge of the various add-on technologies that can be used to make geysers more energy efficient and intention to take up an intermediary role to influence households towards the adoption of more energy efficient practices. The results showed a positive correlation between social norms as well as perceived behavioural control with intention, while a correlation between personal norms as well as attitude with intention was not observed. It was also found that there is no difference in the levels of knowledge held by contractors in the formal and informal sectors, while knowledge was found to have a positive influence on intention. It was recommended that in order to improve energy efficiency knowledge among contractors, the government ought to consider regulatory mechanisms iii to encourage formal training and improve the quality of vocational education. To aid in this endeavour, government should also partner with businesses and industry-specific professional bodies. Lastly, government should implement quality feedback mechanisms to monitor the quality of work performed by contractors