Abstract:
The study consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate the opinion level of the electric energy consumption by household in Pratu Pa Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang District, Lamphun Province; 2) to compare the opinion level of the electric energy consumption by household in Pratu Pa Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang District, Lamphun Province classified by personal factors; 3) to propose the guidelines for promoting the electric energy conservation according to sufficiency economy philosophy of household in Pratu Pa Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang District, Lamphun Province. The study applied a mixed-method research. In terms of quantitative method, the population included 5,116 residents in Pratu Pa Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang District, Lamphun Province. The Taro Yamane formula was used to determine a sample group of 371 persons. The data were collected by using questionnaire and analyzed by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to find frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, f-test, One-Way ANOVA, Least Significant Difference (LSD). In terms of qualitative method, the data were collected via in-depth interviews with 12 key informants. The obtained data were grouped and analyzed using the content analysis technique before being presented in the form of descriptive person references.
From the study, the following results are found:
1) The opinion level of the electric energy consumption by household in Pratu Pa Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang District, Lamphun Province found that the electric energy consumption behavior of household in Pratu Pa Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang District, Lamphun Province has overall mean at a moderate level. When each aspect is considered, it is found that value-based arrangement has the highest level of mean, followed by knowledge and thought, attitudes, values, and practices, respectively. The electric energy conversation of household in Pratu Pa Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang District, Lamphun Province classified is overall at a moderate level. When each aspect is taken into account, moderation has the highest level of mean, followed by morality, rationality, knowledge, and good immunity, respectively.
2) From comparing the opinion level of the electric energy consumption by household in Pratu Pa Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang District, Lamphun Province classified by gender, age, educational level, occupation, and incomes, it is discovered that there is a statistically significant difference at the 0.01 level when classifying by age, educational level, occupation, and income; therefore, accepting the null hypothesis. When classifying by gender, there is no difference; therefore, denying the null hypothesis.
3) The guidelines for promoting the electric energy conservation according to sufficiency economy philosophy of household in Pratu Pa Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang District, Lamphun Province are found as follows: (1) On moderation, in which the electric energy should be consumed carefully and moderately; (2) On rationality, in which electric energy should be consumed appropriately, as well as fostering knowledge and discipline in electric energy consumption within the family by using just what is required for the job and household; (3) On immunity, in which the equipment and appliances with high efficiency of label No. 5 should be used; (4) On knowledge, in which the tools and appliances with high efficiency of label No. 5 should be used in order to promote knowledge structure and motivate household to realize the value of energy; and (5) On morality which refers to renewable energy, in which there should be a better awareness of how to utilize electrical energy economically, including providing information on how to use electrical equipment that saves as much electricity as possible. An application of Padhāna (4 efforts) to promote electrical energy conservation by household is as follows: Saṃvara-padhāna (the effort to prevent) refers to the carefulness to overuse the electricity and ensure safety; Pahāna-padhāna (the effort to abandon) refers to the abandonment of the unnecessary in order to decrease excessive energy consumption while avoiding the use of poor electrical equipment; Bhāvanā-padhāna (the effort to develop) refers to establishing efficiency standards for the use of electrical equipment as necessary and appropriate; and Anurakkhanā-padhāna (the effort to maintain) refers to the constant inspection and repair of electrical equipment in order for it to function properly."