Browsing by Subject "sähkö"

The purpose of this study is to investigate households’ ability and motivations to reduce their electricity consumption amid an energy crisis in the years 2022-2023. The rapid increase in energy prices and uncertainty in energy availability have reflected in various ways on people’s daily lives, and due to the current nature of the issue, research data from the perspective of household economics is not yet available. Through abductive reasoning, the study aims to elucidate people’s adaption to everyday challenges amid the energy crisis, focusing particularly on reducing electricity consumption and sustainability aspects. The study was conducted using a qualitative research approach. Data were collected in the form of media texts written in Finnish from digital newspapers and online news outlets between June and September 2023. The data were published between January 25,2022, and February 20, 2023. The dataset consists of (N=21) media texts produced by Helsingin Sanomat, Yle, Kaleva, Iltalehti, Lapin Kansa, Kouvolan Sanomat, Savon Sanomat and Turun Sanomat. The data were analyzed using abductive reasoning. The results are not generalizable the entire population but provide insights into individual households’ ability to cope with the energy crisis. The results indicate that households generally can respond to sudden increases in energy prices. People were particularly willing to restrict their electricity usage, actively seeking alternative ways to use energy. Strategies for reducing electricity consumption included limiting heating for domestic hot water and room temperature, improving home energy efficiency, altering cooking practices, and optimizing energy usage through smart technology. Investing in new energy-producing systems was identified as an important means of reducing electricity consumption. However, some people were unwilling, unable, or did not deem it necessary to change their electricity usage habits due to the crisis. The most common motivations for reducing electricity usage were economic. The energy crisis and energy-saving campaigns also motivated people to save electricity out of a sense of duty, enthusiasm, ecological reasons, and questioning attitudes, habits, and routines related to energy usage. The study’s findings provide valuable information for understanding what knowledge and skills people need to cope with changing energy markets. Additionally, they reinforce the perspective of home economics science that housing and home technology are integral parts of the field, especially as artificial intelligence and home technology evolve rapidly, enabling reductions in home electricity consumption. Examining people's motivations for reducing consumption can also provide tools for targeted household counselling and education towards a more sustainable lifestyle.