Does electricity consumption improve residential living status in less developed regions? An empirical analysis using the quantile regression approach

•Income, cost and diversity of appliance, household size were main factors influencing electricity consumption.•Electricity use, cost and diversity of appliance displayed a progressive characteristic as income increases.•The slope coefficients of income, diversity and household size had the differential effect on electricity use.•Increased electricity consumption is the essential condition for improving people's quality of life.•Variations in electricity use patterns can reflect difference of household living level.

Based on data from 1128 survey questionnaires in western China, this article analyzed the impact of several factors on residential electricity consumption. The results were as follows: (1) ECp (Electricity consumption per capita), PCI (per capita income), diversity of the electrical appliances (AD), purchase price of appliances (APC) and household size (PO) were found to be closely associated. ECp, AD and APC displayed a clearly progressive characteristic as PCI increases. (2) The main factors affecting electricity consumption were PCI, AD, APC and PO (persons). PCI, AD and APC on ECp had significantly positive effects, but the price of electricity (EP) and PO had negative effects. (3)The slope coefficients of PCI, AD and PO had the differential effect on electricity use, whereas EP and APC did not have this effect. (4) Electricity consumption and appliance use were heavily interdependent. Increased electricity consumption was essential condition for improving the living status of people in less developed regions. (5) Variations in household electricity consumption patterns reflected the improvement of people's quality of life and lifestyle. There was a significant difference among different income households. (6) It is necessary to improve the availability of electricity further and to perfect electricity use policy in the less-developed regions.