Energy subsidies, consumption patterns and perceptions in Qatar: Comparative Analysis on citizen and non-citizen residential energy use

Abstract

Qatar’s exceptional per-capita electricity use—shaped by its harsh climate and subsidized tariffs—places efficiency gains at the center of national climate strategy. Drawing on utility-billing records and a survey of 2,652 households, this study shows that citizens in subsidized housing consume 50-100 % more power than non-citizens or citizens in market-priced homes, with the gap widest during the peak summer period. Survey responses underscore the behavioral dimension: 72 % of non-citizens cite cost savings as their main reason for conserving energy, whereas only 35 % of citizens do so; willingness to enroll in demand-response schemes stands at 60 % for non-citizens versus 40 % for citizens. These patterns highlight how subsidies shape consumption norms and signal the need for group-specific policy tools. A combined package of awareness campaigns, legal adjustments and targeted financial incentives is therefore recommended to curb residential demand while protecting equity and fiscal stability—an approach that can inform reforms across other high-consumption, subsidy-driven economies.