A study of domestic energy usage patterns in Hong Kong

During the last decade, domestic energy consumption has increased substantially in Hong Kong, rising from 5718 GW h in 1991 to 9111 GW h in 2001. This study provides descriptive information on domestic energy usage patterns and investigates the effect of housing type, household characteristics and appliance ownership on electricity energy consumption level. Data were collected via a two-phase self-administered diary survey. Due to Hong Kong’s dense population and sub-tropical climate, energy consumption patterns are distinct from those of other countries. Electricity is the dominant type of energy consumption (63.7%), followed by Towngas (28.8%). Energy consumption distribution by end-use appliances and daily energy loading patterns for both electricity and Towngas are reported. Results reveal the influence of weather and cooking style on energy consumption distribution and the daily energy loading patterns. Significant factors influencing electricity energy consumption include: flat size, household income, number of household members, and ownership of air-conditioners, clothes dryers, rangehoods and ventilation fans in the summer; housing type, number of household members, and ownership of electric water heaters and rangehoods in the winter.