Behrouz Bayat, a faculty member of the Management Department at Islamic Azad University, Hamadan Branch, examined the multidimensional challenges of energy carrier imbalance in the country in a note. He emphasized that the issue of energy imbalance has long become one of the most complex problems of governance and social management.
Repetition of the Energy Crisis Cycle
Bayat pointed out the traditional media approach to the energy crisis, emphasizing the ineffectiveness of repeatedly sending warnings to household subscribers and cutting off gas or electricity to productive and industrial sectors. He stated that this exhausting cycle requires a fundamental change in understanding energy consumption resilience. In his view, resilience does not mean saving on consumption, but rather refers to the community's ability to intelligently readjust consumption patterns.
The Nudge Theory and Choice Architecture
Bayat referred to the concept of "warning fatigue," which relates to the community's disregard for warning messages due to their constant repetition. He mentioned the nudge theory and the concept of choice architecture, stating that this theory can guide individuals towards optimal choices. He also highlighted the necessity of comparing household consumption with neighborhood peers to create positive social norms.
This university professor further addressed the issue of energy carrier pricing, stating that merely increasing prices does not reduce consumption, as the price elasticity of household energy demand is very low in the short term. He emphasized that energy carrier price adjustments should consider social mechanisms, especially for low-income classes.
Consequences of Gas Cuts for Industry
Bayat also pointed out the consequences of cutting gas to factories on household livelihoods, stating that this action could lead to decreased production and increased inflation. He emphasized that the media must clarify this connection for the public to have a better understanding of the impacts of energy consumption on their daily lives.
Read more: Economic analysis by Vahid Shaghaghishahri on Iran's dependence on oil · Formation of an energy headquarters in Kermanshah province for gas consumption management
