Awareness and Adoption of Energy Conservation Practices Among Households in Enugu State, South East Nigeria

Household energy conservation represents a low-cost, high-impact strategy for reducing electricity demand and lowering household energy expenditure in Nigeria, yet awareness and adoption of conservation practices remain poorly documented in many states. This study investigates awareness levels and adoption of energy conservation practices among urban and peri-urban households in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. A descriptive survey was conducted using structured questionnaires administered to 320 households in Enugu metropolis and three peri-urban communities. The questionnaire captured data on awareness of specific conservation behaviours, frequency of practice, motivating factors, and barriers to adoption. Energy expenditure profiles were constructed from utility bills and self-reported generator fuel costs. Results indicate that while 84 percent of respondents are aware of energy-saving concepts, only 39 percent consistently practise two or more conservation behaviours. The most commonly cited barriers are high upfront costs of energy-efficient appliances, inadequate information, and a perception that conservation has negligible impact given the unreliability of grid supply. Regression analysis identifies household income level and educational attainment as significant predictors of conservation behaviour adoption. The study recommends a targeted public awareness campaign coordinated by the Enugu State Rural Electrification Agency and recommends inclusion of energy literacy modules in secondary school curricula. Keywords: energy conservation, households, Enugu State, awareness, behaviour change.