Environmental Modeling & Assessment

, Volume 11, Issue 2, pp 91–100 | Cite as

Estimating home energy decision parameters for a hybrid energy—economy policy model

Article

Hybrid energy–economy models combine the advantages of a technologically explicit bottom–up model with the behavioral realism sought after by top–down models in order to help policymakers assess the likely technology-specific response and economy-wide impact of policies to induce technological change. We use a discrete choice survey to estimate key technology choice parameters for a hybrid model. Two choice experiments are conducted for household energy-related decisions about retrofitting home building structures and choosing a space heating and conditioning system. Based on a discrete choice survey of 625 householders, we estimate a discrete choice model and then demonstrate how its parameters translate into the behavioral parameters of a hybrid model. We then simulate household energy policies, including, individual subsidies and increased regulations.

Keywords

discrete choice survey household energy demand hybrid energy model bottom-up energy model 

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2006

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.School of Resource and Environmental ManagementSimon Fraser UniversityVancouverCanada

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