Energy is a key input to meet the basic needs of human beings like food, clothing and shelter. Household energy behaviour needs to be understood for ensuring individual and social well being. The urban household energy use in India is critical because of the wide variations in the quantity of energy use among the socioeconomic and ethnic groups residing in a city. This paper develops a conceptual framework and describes a case study of household energy behaviour in Ahmedabad, a major Indian city. In the context of the energy profile of the city, household energy is assessed from the demand and supply sides. A survey of three hundred households and secondary data analysis was done. The results link energy consumption to cooking patterns, technology and source availability. Three scenarios for the household energy use in year 2001 are constructed and policy instruments and programmes to achieve a desirable scenario that is sustainable, equitable and efficient, are developed. Some general policy options are also discussed.