This study aimed to examine the impactof changing availability of different energy sources andtheir price levels on household energy choice, consumption,and expenditures. Knowledge of household expenditures andenergy consumption patterns is an essential building blockfor further work on possible policies in the energy sectorand associated poverty and social impact analysis. To thisend, the four most recent household expendituresurveys-conducted in 1994, 1997, 1999, and 2001-wereanalyzed in detail. The survey periods included those withlow fuel prices (1999) and a time of rising world oil prices(2001). No household expenditure surveys are available fromthe last two years, when the increase in fuel prices has faroutstripped general inflation. Nevertheless, between 1994and 2001, prices of electricity, natural gas, kerosene, andliquefied petroleum gas (LPG) rose more rapidly than theconsumer price index (CPI), potentially offering insightsinto how households might react to, and manage, sharplyrising energy prices. The household survey analysis wassupplemented by focus group discussions and individualinterviews conducted in 2004 and 2005. Participants wereasked questions about reasons for energy choice, the qualityof service provided, evidence of increasing competition,affordability of different energy sources, benefits andcosts, and commercial malpractice.
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