Impact of energy efficiency and conservation programs on the national grid in some selected households in Ghana.

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of energy efficiency and conservation on the Ghana National Grid. The motivation of this research study derives from the overwhelming lack of energy efficiency and conservation practices by consumers in Ghana while the existing generation continues to deplete with the increasing population and their growing energy needs. A survey was conducted on existing generation plants to assess their capacities and average power contributed to the national grid over a 6-month period. Energy efficiency and conservation awareness questionnaires was also administered to selected consumers to test their knowledge in energy efficiency and conservation. An energy audit and demand management program was established and implemented for a set of households, which were later audited, after a 3-month period to ascertain improvements in their energy consumption pattern. The study revealed that the implementation of energy efficiency and conservation measures led to a maximal reduction of energy consumed by 5.14% which is highly significant and subsequently led to positive economic and environmental implications. The study also found out that most of the respondents are unaware of energy efficiency and conservation measures; they make abusive use of non-efficient electrical appliances and do not implement any energy efficiency and conservation measures. The study recommended the development of policies and strategies to conduct mass education, to ensure the implementation of energy efficiency and conservation measures, and also to encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances. Successful implementation of the proposed recommendations contribute significantly to meeting the energy challenge in developing countries and subsequently sustain business while alleviating poverty.