Implementation of energy efficiency in residential areas - Public policies versus energy suppliers

In order to realise the potential for energy efficiency in residential areas it requires influencing the many individual house owners that make the decisions. We compare how Swedish energy policy and Swedish energy suppliers influence the house owners in taking decisions about heating systems and house envelope measures. An economic analysis shows how energy policy and electricity cost affects the house owners' economic situation. The house owners' perception is analysed through comprehensive questionnaires, sent out both before and after the implementation of a heating system conversion subsidy and a district heating marketing campaign by an energy supplier. We conclude that a heating system conversion subsidy and electricity tax give relevant incentives to act according to the national policy. We show that the effect on the annual cost of most of the studied policy measures was smaller than the price variations between different energy suppliers. The energy supplier can largely influence both the economic situation and the perceptions of the customers.