An econometric analysis of the household direct rebound effects for electricity consumption in Tunisia

The main focus of this paper is to investigate the magnitude of the rebound effect for electricity end uses by Tunisian households. The direct rebound effect is estimated at about 81.7%, suggesting that only 18.3% of energy saving potential has been achieved. Moreover, the results show that removal of electricity subsidy, besides raising terminal electricity price, moderates these residential direct rebound effects. Overall, the rebound-effects are large in Tunisian residential households. Policy makers need to refine, adapt and extend the prevailing political energy efficiency policy to reduce these effects and achieve more efficient energy saving. In addition, they should support energyefficiency incentives with policies that cut down subsidies and increase electricity prices for households. To ensure that this will not affect people in poverty, the subsidy level should be differentiated according to household income level. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.