1Absalom Istifanus, 1Jalam Abdullahi, & *2Daniel, Biyenta Elijah (AUTHORS)
1Department of Environmental Management Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria
*2Geography Unit, Department of Social Sciences, Gombe State College of Education, Billiri, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author’s Email: biyentadaniel@gmail.com
ABSTRACT: Growing environmental degradation emanating from household micro-decisions requires deep insight. Thus, this study investigates the effect and perceived importance of cost on household energy choices in Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria, over a decade (2015-2025). A cross-sectional survey of 348 household heads across high-, medium-, and low-density residential areas was conducted. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests of independence to measure the statistical association between reported energy expenditure and primary fuel choice in 2015 and 2025. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze respondents’ perceptions of the most important factor influencing their energy choice and their primary reason for switching fuels over the decade. A statistically significant association between cost and energy choice was found in both 2015 (χ² = 22.619, p = .031) and 2025 (χ² = 33.420, p < .001), with the strength of the relationship intensifying over time. The intensifying association over the decade coincides with broader economic forces, such as rising inflation and subsidy removals. When asked directly, 37.93% of respondents identified cost as the single most important factor influencing their current energy choice, surpassing convenience (26.72%) and availability (16.38%). Furthermore, 56.90% cited cost as the primary reason for changing their primary energy source over the past ten years. The findings confirm cost as the central and strengthening driver of household energy decisions in this urban Nigerian context. The study therefore recommends that, to reduce pressure on environmental resources and deforestation, minimize air pollution, and ensure effective energy transition, all policy interventions must prioritize the economic affordability of energy in households.
Keywords: Fuel Choice; Cost; Energy Transition, Environment; Household