Residential Electricity Demand Modeling in the Australian Capital Territory: Preliminary Results

Abstract

The demand for electricity has recently become a topic of major interest in Australia, where very little empirical analysis has been done (see Hawkins, 1975; Saddler et al., 1980; Department of National Development and Energy, 1981; Brian and Schuyers, 1981; and Donnelly and Saddler, 1982). Two of the policy issues being raised concern the appropriate pricing strategies that should be adopted by supplying authorities and the need for additional generating capacity. An understanding of the relative importance of the factors influencing electricity demand is required to aid public policy making, particularly since substantial investment is now being considered.