Understanding the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on energy consumption and digital engagement in Polish households

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze energy consumption trends in Polish households during the COVID-19 pandemic and assess the pandemic's influence on household behavior. The study divides the topics into three thematic blocks: the government's pandemic policies, the pandemic's impact on household energy consumption through qualitative and literature-based analysis, and the consequences of the pandemic on households and their energy-related activities. Original research findings from a study conducted in 2021 are utilized in the analytical section. The study reveals an increase in energy demand among households during the lockdown period, driven by remote work, education, and lifestyle shifts. Changes in energy-saving habits and motivations for energy conservation are explored and the potential implications of these shifts for energy suppliers are discussed. Additionally, the study employed methods of literature analysis, qualitative information analysis from secondary sources, as well as synthesis and inference. The paper concludes that lockdown-driven changes in energy consumption patterns demonstrate the adaptability of households and the potential for new forms of collaboration between consumers and energy suppliers.