Search

Abstract: This paper estimates the affordability of increased energy costs for Chinese companies due to the possible introduction of carbon pricing policies. The data were collected from 121 valid respondents in Taicang, China, using a multiple-bounded discrete choice (MBDC) format. Estimations indicate that a mean of 8.5% in energy cost increase would be acceptable for the surveyed companies on the whole. Companies from chemical and dyeing industries expressed a slightly higher affordability, with the mean of acceptable energy cost increase being 9.8% and 9.4% respectively. Econometric analysis identified two determinants of affordability for companies. One is the current energy price level, having a significant but negative relationship with affordability. The other is the energy management strategies of companies, significantly and positively associated with affordability. Calculations indicate that the mean of affordable energy cost increases for companies roughly equals a carbon price of 60 CNY/t-CO2 (about 9 USD/t-CO2). This result may be used as a referendum during the development of carbon tax policy and the establishment of a domestic carbon emissions trading scheme in China from the perspective of individual companies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper measures the company''s awareness and acceptability of market-based instruments (MBIs) for energy saving, and identifies their relationships with pre-classified determinants. The data were collected from 121 respondents in Taicang, China, with almost all of them being small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The surveyed companies indicate moderate awareness of MBIs at present. Market competition is confirmed to function as a driver for the companies to collect strategic information and thus enhance their policy awareness. The samples with higher education level of employees indicate higher awareness of MBIs. In contrast to the regulative polices, MBIs and voluntary approaches are more appreciated by the companies. The companies in the survey area prefer to make internal efforts in response to energy cost increases due to the implementation of carbon pricing policies and are reluctant to simply transfer the policy burden to their customers. Empirical evidences on the conditions for policy success from this study are meaningful for supporting further progress of industrial energy saving policies in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper seeks to measure industrial energy saving activities (ESAs) and identify their major determinant factors by an empirical study of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Taicang city, China. The surveyed SMEs indicate high participation ratios of pre-classified ESAs even with weak regulation and limited support from industrial associations at present. The classified factors are partly confirmed by the econometric analysis. The energy management level of competitors and internal training on energy saving have significant and positive influences on a company’s involvement level of ESAs. The findings suggest that Chinese policy makers should gradually expand the regulative requirements currently focusing on the large energy-consuming companies to SMEs. Providing economic incentives and technical support are important for assisting the SMEs in better practice of ESAs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]