Author ORCID Identifier
Semester
Fall
Date of Graduation
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
Department
Industrial and Managements Systems Engineering
Committee Chair
Avishek Choudhury
Committee Member
Ashish Nimbarte
Committee Member
JuHyeong Ryu
Abstract
Energy use is essential for economic growth and community well-being. However, gaps in energy access and affordability present significant challenges, particularly for low-income and minority communities. In the United States (US), low-income households allocate nearly three times more of their income to energy expenses compared to median-income households. These disparities are influenced by a complex interplay of socioeconomic and demographic factors, including poverty levels, educational attainment, race, macroeconomics, and geographic location, which affect energy consumption patterns across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. This study aims to deepen the understanding electricity and Natural Gas (NG) consumption through three specific aims: (1) to identify the full range of factors influencing energy use through a systematic literature review guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis (PRISMA) framework; (2) perform preliminary exploratory data analysis at the county level using publicly available datasets to uncover initial patterns; and (3) understanding how socioeconomic (poverty level, education) and demographic factors (proportion of Hispanic and Black population) influence residential, commercial, and industrial energy consumption in West Virginia.
This study follows sequential quantitative research, implying exploratory data analysis and multiple linear regression. The novelty of this research lies in the integration of PRISMA-based systematic review findings with a robust statistical modeling technique to provide empirical evidence on how different factors affect energy consumption in general and how socio demographic factors impact energy use in West Virginia. The findings will inform policymakers and stakeholders by identifying critical links between energy consumption and socio-economic inequality. This work contributes to the broader discourse on energy equity and sustainability and highlights the urgent need for inclusive energy policies that ensure reliable, affordable, and equitable access to energy for all communities.
Recommended Citation
Bhusal, Tilak, "A Study on the Effect of Socio-Economic and Demographic Factors on Energy Consumption in Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Settings in West Virginia." (2025). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 13087.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/13087