Abstract:
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The research objectives were: to investigate energy consumption and the energy saving practices, to examine significant factors contributing to energy consumption and energy saving practices in the residential sector, and to suggest policies for urban energy management in Bangkok. Research methodology used survey research and theoretical framework of urban energy management in cities. The samples were taken from 1,150 households by multi-stage sampling, totaling 15 districts of the BMA: 6 inner zone districts, 5 middle zone districts, and 4 outer zone districts. The questionnaire was used for data collection. General data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The hypotheses were tested by multi regression analysis at significant level of p ≤ 0.05 and R2 ≥ 0.30. Research findings accepted hypothesis models 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the total 20 models. Models 1 and 2, physical and structure factors affect quantity of energy use in household (A1) at p< .01 and R2= .715 and quantity of energy use in traveling and transportation (A2) at p< .01 and R2= .896. Models 3 and 4, social and cultural factors affect A1 at p< .01 and R2= .502 and A2 at p< .01 and R2= .400. Finally, model 5, economic factor affect A1 at p< .01 and R2= .552.On the other hand, there is no factor significantly affects the energy saving practices. Research suggestions are: 1) Household size should be smaller and more compact, located in a high density area, contain fewer home appliances, close to work place, reduce number of household vehicles and increase use of public transportation; 2) Since Bangkok's electricity and fuels consumption has continuously increased, researches should focus on finding new ways to decrease CO emissions in the urban area; and 3) Feasible economic study must be put in place to ensure these urban energy policies and projects are plausible for implementation.
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