Determinants of electricity expenditure by private households. Analysis of the 2018 survey of income and expenditure for Germany

The authors’ analysis of determinants of household electricity consumption is based on the 2018 Survey of Income and Expenditure (EVS), using Germany as an example. The EVS survey covered all variables identified through a scoping review, including the number and type of appliances, sociodemographic, and dwelling-related aspects. This large representative dataset allows analyzing the effect of these determinants on electricity expenditure for German households. Expenditure on electricity is considered a reliable indicator of household electricity consumption. The determinants show weak to moderate correlations with energy expenditure in bivariate analyses. Multivariate analysis clearly shows the combined effects of household-specific, dwelling-related, and appliance-specific factors. Models considering only one aspect overestimate the respective effect. Thus, it is essential to consider all three aspects simultaneously when explaining residential electricity consumption. The largest effects are found for electricity as the main energy source for heating, the number of household members, as well as their presence at home. Household structure is an important factor in explaining residential energy consumption while dwelling and appliance-related aspects also have an effect. Appropriate policy measures may affect the latter aspects.