Analysis of Energy Consumption Patterns of Households in Urban Ethiopia: The Case of Nakamte Town

Abstract

This study looks into households’ energy consumption patterns in Nakamte town, Ethiopia. The objective of the study is to analyze household energy consumption patterns for the main energy sources (fuel-wood, charcoal, kerosene and electricity. The study used household-level survey data collected from 120 sample households in Nakamte town. A two- stage sampling procedure which consists of simple random and systematic random sampling techniques was employed to select the sample households. Descriptive analysis of the data shows predominance of traditional energy sources in household energy mix which has environmental damage such as deforestation, soil erosion and declining agricultural productivity, and loss in the natural habitat for the wildlife in the hinterlands. Since household energy transition is still at an early stage, the government of the country should harmonize energy policies with poverty reduction objectives and strategies. Increasing income, influencing households’ energy choice and improvement of modern energy accessibility will play a critical role in the transition of households from traditional to modern energy sources.

Keywords: energy consumption, energy transition, Nakamte town