Energy Efficiency in Saint Lucia Byron T. Murray, Heidi M. Neil & Travis W. Reynolds

Statement of the problem “People need to know about energy saver bulbs because energy is so expensive here. It is very important.” “People need to know about energy saver bulbs because energy is so expensive here. It is very important.” Male, age 28, Castries Male, age 28, Castries “Saving energy is an important part of any country’s development.” “Saving energy is an important part of any country’s development.” Male, age 44, Soufriere Male, age 44, Soufriere

Project Objectives Engage in an island-wide promotion of energy-efficient practices Engage in an island-wide promotion of energy-efficient practices Design and implement a consumer education campaign Design and implement a consumer education campaign Conduct consumer surveys on energy efficiency Conduct consumer surveys on energy efficiency

Pre-Travel Develop an in-depth understanding of energy efficiency and CFL bulbs Develop an in-depth understanding of energy efficiency and CFL bulbs Conduct literature review Conduct literature review Review last year’s work Review last year’s work Correspond with project partners Correspond with project partners Research funding opportunities Research funding opportunities Create survey questionnaire and educational materials Create survey questionnaire and educational materials

Methods Sampling method Sampling method Convenience sampling Convenience sampling Focus on consumers Focus on consumers Personal intercept surveys Personal intercept surveys Semi-structured interviews Semi-structured interviews Incentives Incentives

267 surveys completed 267 surveys completed 264 used for this study 264 used for this study 61% men, 39% women 61% men, 39% women 60% urban, 40% rural 60% urban, 40% rural Range of income levels represented Range of income levels represented

Results 63% of those interviewed were familiar with energy efficiency 63% of those interviewed were familiar with energy efficiency Most common sources of knowledge: Most common sources of knowledge: Television (34.1%) Television (34.1%) Radio (29.2%) Radio (29.2%) Word-of-mouth (28%) Word-of-mouth (28%) Level of understanding is not related to gender, but strongly related to income Level of understanding is not related to gender, but strongly related to income

Knowledge of Energy Efficiency Understanding the Difference Between Incandescent and Energy Saver Light Bulbs Monthly Income (EC Dollars) Know Difference 38.3%71.4%79.5%82.6%87.2%

Results, continued 58.3% of those interviewed currently use at least one energy-saver CFL bulb 58.3% of those interviewed currently use at least one energy-saver CFL bulb Majority of households with energy-saver bulbs have only 1 (29%) or 2 (31%) bulbs Majority of households with energy-saver bulbs have only 1 (29%) or 2 (31%) bulbs 84% of those interviewed would like to purchase more energy-efficient products 84% of those interviewed would like to purchase more energy-efficient products

Barriers to buying energy efficient products Cost Cost Lack of Knowledge Lack of Knowledge particularly regarding appliances particularly regarding appliances Availability Availability Quality Quality

High level of interest in energy-saver CFL bulbs High level of interest in energy-saver CFL bulbs Willingness to pay more for quality products Willingness to pay more for quality products Results, continued

Recommendations Short Term Short Term Increase public awareness regarding efficiency Increase public awareness regarding efficiency “If people knew, no one would not want to use it.” “If people knew, no one would not want to use it.” - Female, age 58, Vieux Fort - Female, age 58, Vieux Fort Long Term Long Term Focus on consumer education Focus on consumer education Win/Win Situations: Win/Win Situations: Revolving loan fund Revolving loan fund

Project Partners Ministry of Physical Development, Environment, Housing & Planning Ministry of Physical Development, Environment, Housing & Planning Ministry of Consumer Affairs Ministry of Consumer Affairs Climate Care Climate Care Johnson's Hardware Johnson's Hardware Alfred’s Hardware Alfred’s Hardware University of Vermont Center for Rural Studies University of Vermont Center for Rural Studies

Thank you.