Volume 13, Issue 7 (July 2026), Pages: 83-89

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 Original Research Paper

Determinants of household energy consumption in rural Nueva Ecija, Philippines: A cross-sectional analysis

 Author(s): 

Feliciana P. Jacoba *

 Affiliation(s):

Graduate School, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Cabanatuan City, Philippines

 Full text

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 * Corresponding Author. 

   Corresponding author's ORCID profile:  https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8624-6564

 Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

 
https://doi.org/10.21833/ijaas.2026.07.007

 Abstract

Economic factors are the most direct and immediate determinants of changes in energy use. Research and development are necessary prerequisites for the demonstration and promotion of energy-related initiatives, while government and private sector efforts are generally essential to initiate and sustain energy conservation activities. The efficient use of energy can be justified on economic, environmental, and social grounds. Therefore, national energy policy should shift its focus from developing new fuels and energy resources to promoting the more efficient use of appropriate energy sources. This study aimed to determine household energy consumption in a rural area, specifically in the municipality of Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija. A survey questionnaire was the main research instrument used, supplemented by direct observations of the respondents’ habits and practices, as well as interviews. Data on the monthly electricity consumption of each household were also collected. The questionnaire covered six topics: socioeconomic characteristics, fuel and energy sources, household appliances, lighting sources, cooking practices and eating habits, and energy conservation activities. The study found that a coordinated and effective approach to household energy use and conservation can only be achieved through appropriate government involvement to ensure the implementation of the necessary actions and initiatives. The findings may also contribute to the wider dissemination of information and guidelines on energy conservation, particularly if these are incorporated into primary, secondary, and tertiary education or integrated into the school curriculum.

 © 2026 The Authors. Published by IASE.

 This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

 Keywords

Rural households, Energy consumption, Energy conservation, Socioeconomic factors, Energy efficiency

 Article history

Received 21 February 2026, Received in revised form 5 July 2026, Accepted 13 July 2026

 Acknowledgment

No Acknowledgment. 

 Compliance with ethical standards

 Ethical considerations

Ethical principles were observed throughout the conduct of the study. Participation was voluntary, and respondents were informed of the purpose, scope, and confidentiality of the research prior to data collection. All information obtained was treated confidentially and anonymized during data processing and analysis. The data were stored securely and used solely for academic and research purposes. Respondents were also informed of their right to decline participation or withdraw from the study at any stage without consequence. 

 Citation:

Jacoba FP (2026). Determinants of household energy consumption in rural Nueva Ecija, Philippines: A cross-sectional analysis. International Journal of Advanced and Applied Sciences, 13(7): 83-89

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