JAILCD2025-022: Analysis of Australia's Household End-Use Energy Consumption Patterns and Regional Differences

Abstract

With the global energy shortage and carbon reduction goals advancing, residential energy consumption demands in-depth research as a significant energy-use domain. In 2022, the final energy consumption of the residential sector in Australia accounted for 14.4% of the total across all industries. This proportion shows the critical role of residential energy consumption in enhancing national energy efficiency and achieving carbon reduction strategies. Based on household energy use data from various Australian states, this study categorizes energy consumption into five major end-use areas: kitchen, heating, appliances, lighting, and cooling. The results indicate that cooling and heating are the primary contributors to household energy consumption, with significant regional differences observed between the cold southern state of Victoria and the hot northern state of Queensland. Victoria consistently recorded the highest per capita usage for kitchen energy consumption over the past five years, while Queensland had the lowest. Through correlation analysis, the study further reveals significant differences and influencing factors in household energy consumption across Australian states. It was found that air conditioning penetration rates account for differences in heating and cooling, while population distribution and household size contribute to variations in kitchen energy use. By uncovering the imbalances in regional energy use, this study provides policymakers with scientific evidence to tailor and optimize energy policies to local conditions. It also offers the public more efficient household energy management strategies, serving as a vital reference for achieving low-carbon transitions and reducing regional energy inequalities.