Capturing Cultural Diversity in California Residential Energy Use and Conservation - An Energy Ethnography of Hispanic Households

This study, funded under the Electric Program Investment Charge program, explored the question of whether and to what extent culture influences ideas, behaviors, and perceptions of energy use. The study used a combination of social research methods to gain a practical view of residential energy use and conservation among California Hispanics and identify cultural factors that may influence energy use and conservation behaviors and circumstances in this community.
The study uncovered several prevalent ideas among study participants, as well as noteworthy findings related to the Hispanic community’s thoughts on energy use, some energy myths and misconceptions that repeatedly arose in the study, and common energy use practices among study participants. The study offers recommendations to help energy efficiency program administrators develop a better understanding of energy use among Hispanics, particularly barriers to community engagement and what opportunities exist.