Behavioral Aspects of Energy and Heat Consumption (Basing on Opinion Poll Data)

The article considers home heating and energy saving. The authors analyze the energy saving problem in reliance upon the findings of the pilot opinion poll conducted in Orel in autumn 2013. The objective of the poll was to identify the home heating needs of local residents and to find out the viewpoints of the residents in respect of the operation of local public amenities. The authors explore the reasons for the inefficient operation of the Russian heating supply system with account for the poll findings and secondary data. The authors believe that the traditional behavioral model, that does not contemplate any need to save energy, is one of the reasons why the heating of residential homes are heated inefficiently. The authors offer their solutions and top-priority actions to be taken.