8

# 111. HOUSEHOLD ENERGY SURVEYING

A household energy survey is a means of gathering statistically representative information on residential fuel demand and use so as to help precisely define household energy issues and aid in formulating appropriate strategies. It generally involves a structured survey using a carefully designed sample, pre-tested questionnaires, fieldwork and data aunlysis. In contrast with the options assessed above, a survey dedicated exclusively to household energy requ.res considerable logistical and, sometimes, financial effort on the part of the institutions involved. Therefore, the need for such an exercise should be well-justified and its costs carefully weighed against the expected yield of information as well as its utility for policy analysis.

The objectives of a household energy survey include:

- painting a comprehensive picture of residential energy consumption;

- assessing the relations between fuel use and household socio-economic characteristics;

- identifying existing and potential problems or limitations in the use of specific fuels; and

- analyzing the impact of implemented or contemplated efforts to influence consumption in the sub-sector.

To achieve these objectives, the survey can obtain detailed information on: (a) the price, quantity, end-uses and availability of marketed fuels; (b) the quantities, end-uses, collection times and availability of gathered fuels; (c) cultural factors such as diet, cooking habits and rituals which may affect energy demand; (d) the cost, efficiencies and lifetimes of energy-using devices, e.g. cookstoves; (e) expenditure claswes and the relative importance of energy m the family budget; (f) household size and its impact on per capita fuel use; and (g) changes in fuel use with geographical/ecological zone.

# Overall Survey Design

To ensure that the survey is worth the effort, care should be taken in the overall design so that one does not re-invent the wheel and that the right answers are sought by asking the right people the right questions. In most countries, useful information on residential energy consumption may have already been gathered for other purposes. Such data can usually provide a starting point for identifying critical issues as well as selecting population groups and areas for in-depth research. Previous studies and surveys will help narrow the objectives and amrnunt of information sought in the household energy survey, thus saving time and money. Interviews with those previously involved in similar tasks can also help improve survey design and implementation. For instance. preliminary research may highlight the possible seasonality of fuel consumption, migration patterns or accessibility of survey sites, and thus aid in survey timing and logistics. The services of a sociologist or anthropologist can be used to assist in understanding household consumption patterns to better design and implement a relevant survey.

After reviewing the available information and identifying gaps in the data, care must be taken in determining which information will be most useful in understanding energy problems and their solutions. While it would be difficult and, indeed, unwise to assume an advance knowledge of the outcome of the survey, one can develop a general ret of expectations about how the database will be used. For example, in Morocco, a series of working papers were outlined which would then be written based on information generated by the household energy survey. Their structure was by no means fixed but they did provide useful guideposts in the important areas of sample and questionnaire design. In Indonesia, an interministerial committee on household energy was established to review the survey design process so as to guarantee that the survey would provide each ministry with information that would be useful. These are just two techniques which can be used as a check on ultimate worth of the survey.