The purpose of this study is to explore public narratives of energy conservation policies in the lived experiences of Tehran households, extract core themes, and develop a conceptual framework based on qualitative analysis of field data. The present study adopts a qualitative approach, employing phenomenological methods and thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-phase model. The research population consists of all households residing in Tehran who have encountered challenges from energy conservation policies in areas such as electricity, gas, and water. Using purposeful sampling with maximum variation and snowball sampling, 65 household heads or primary members were selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and validity was ensured via triangulation strategies (interviews, observations, documents), confirmability (85% coding agreement), and Lincoln and Guba's criteria (credibility, transferability, and dependability). Findings from the analysis of 65 interviews yielded 8 main themes and 32 sub-themes. The final model delineates the dynamic interaction of energy conservation through eight key components: understanding and acceptance (rational, ethical, environmental, social) as the cognitive foundation; resistance (cultural, economic, psychological, social) as a weakening factor; the role of subsidies and pricing (low motivation, inequality, opacity) as an economic barrier; energy literacy and knowledge (limited awareness, translation to action, media literacy) as an awareness tool; housing and equipment structures (inefficiency, physical conditions, financial constraints) as physical limitations; socio-cultural impacts (family values, identity, neighbors, hospitality) as a normative context; media roles (educational messages, ineffective ones, social networks) as an intermediary link; and daily coping mechanisms (reduction strategies, adaptation, prioritization) as practical outputs. These components operate interactively and synergistically, framing conservation as a dynamic process within the legitimacy gap between policy and lived life.