Energy profiles of rural domestic sector in six un-electrified villages of Jorhat district of Assam

A comparative analysis of the household energy consumption patterns and available biomass energy in six un-electrified villages of the Jorhat district of Assam is presented. This empirical study examines how the energy consumption patterns in six villages (Gariabhonga, Khongia, 8 No. Spur, Na-Jankhona, Upper-Deorigaon and Nam-Deorigaon), each representing different categories, are influenced by the locally available biomass energy resources. The study reveals that the total energy consumed in GJ/capita/year for domestic activities ranges from 7.503 to 12.692. Major findings in the domestic sector are: (1) fuel wood is preferred for domestic energy consumption, (2) easy availability encourages excessive consumption, (3) 21.5 to 42% more energy is consumed in winter than in summer for meeting cooking, water heating and space heating needs, (4) rice residues and dung are present in abundance but go to waste owing to the easy availability of fuel wood, and (5) commercial fuel kerosene is the only alternative for domestic lighting.