"Economics of a Lightbulb: Experimental Evidence on CFLs and End-User Behavior" (In progress)

Citation:

Carranza, Eliana, and Robyn Meeks. 2012. "Economics of a Lightbulb: Experimental Evidence on CFLs and End-User Behavior" (In progress).

Abstract:

In promoting energy efficiency, not only are technological innovations necessary, but so is learning
about behavioral barriers that often arise from end-user interactions with new technologies. To
better understand the adoption, continued use and diffusion process of the CFL technology, this
study uses randomized experiments to inspect two major mechanisms: (1) the “rebound” or
behavioral response that boosts consumption and offsets CFLs’ technologically feasible electricity
savings, and (2) the role of “peer” networks in spreading information. Examination of the rebound
will provide information on the optimal combination of innovation and price policies, and the tradeoff
between welfare and electricity conservation. Examination of peer-networks will discern
between different learning mechanisms and tell how best to advance CFLs’ diffusion.