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Influence of Rising Costs of Energy on the Energy Consumer Behavior of International Students in Scotland
Precious C. Onyenweaku, Bla Josee Charlotte Eba
Pages - 1 - 18     |    Revised - 31-12-2023     |    Published - 01-02-2024
Volume - 15   Issue - 1    |    Publication Date - February 2024  Table of Contents
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KEYWORDS
Rising Energy Costs, Energy Consumer Behaviour, International Students, Energy-efficient Investments, Curtailment Behaviour.
ABSTRACT
The rise in energy prices across Scotland and globally has impacted households in several ways including economically, socially and materially. However, little is known on the effects of high energy tariffs on a unique growing segment of the Scottish population – international university students. Therefore, this quantitative study investigates the impact of rising energy costs on consumer behaviour of international university students in Scotland. Hinged on the consumer behaviour theory, this research analyses the effects of energy costs on curtailment and efficiency behaviours evident among international students in Scotland. Factors such as personal, cultural, social, economic and pro-environmental perception were taken into cognizance in the design of the research questionnaire and data collection from220 participants. Descriptive statistics, multivariable linear regression, and ANOVA were used for data analysis. A pivotal revelation was that all participants experienced an elevation in energy costs post-immigration, with 70.5% observing a significant surge. In exploring energy consumption habits, the data underscored a compelling inclination towards energy-saving practices, with 72.73% consistently turning off lights when exiting rooms. Also, the linear regression analysis illuminated the profound implications of rising energy costs on consumption behaviours, revealing an unexpected positive correlation (p < 0.0001). "Much" energy-saving changes are linked to significantly lower curtailment in consumption patterns (p < 0.0001) compared to "little/nothing" changes (p = 1). Furthermore, the ANOVA indicates that households relying solely on gas as an energy source exhibited significantly (p<0.05) distinct energy costs compared to those utilising both gas and electricity. Therefore, this research not only underscores the complexities of energy consumption among international students but also offers actionable insights for economically prudent energy decisions. Likewise, the results necessitate the need for enhanced energy conservation education and awareness for this demographic. Hence, these findings contribute to our understanding of the relationship between energy consumption andrising costs among the international student communities.
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Mr. Precious C. Onyenweaku
School of Business and Creative Industries, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, PA1 2BE - United Kingdom
pconyenweaku@gmail.com
Dr. Bla Josee Charlotte Eba
School of Business and Creative Industries, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, PA1 2B - United Kingdom


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