Daily behaviour and energy saving strategies

Panel: 9. Dynamics of consumption

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Christine Boomsma, Plymouth University, United Kingdom
Sabine Pahl, Plymouth University, United Kingdom
Julie Goodhew, Plymouth University, United Kingdom
Amber Gardner, Plymouth University, United Kingdom

Abstract

Energy consumption by individuals at certain times of the day leads to peaks in energy demand in the grid. Load shifting strategies and facilitating technologies (e.g. smart meters) have been proposed to avoid these peaks and ensure that demand better matches supply. Households with solar PV have been shown to shift their use to different times of the day. But this mainly follows from a motivation to use their own energy production (Bourgeois et al., 2014). Public awareness of load shifting is relatively low and further barriers may limit public acceptance and could hinder successful implementation (Demski et al., 2014). To achieve load shifting in the public we need to understand peak behaviours and their variations better including perceptions of energy demand associated with these household actions.

In a survey (part of the eViz Project, eviz.org.uk), a general public sample (N = 283) reported three household actions relating to one out of seven contexts: morning, evening, regular, important, most energy consuming, summer or winter. Participants ranked these actions on perceived energy use and also listed their current energy saving strategies. Reported actions clearly varied when asked about different times of the day and year. Heating and washing machine use were identified as being particularly important to individuals, something they engaged in regularly and high in energy use. But, these actions weren’t necessarily commonly mentioned when asked about regular morning, evening, winter or summer actions. In terms of energy saving strategies, a mismatch was notable between perceived consumption and some energy saving strategies. Light related strategies were overrepresented when compared to how often light was mentioned as a high energy user. And, energy saving strategies for washing machine use were limited although it was identified as a high user.

These, and further detailed results, provide important insights into individuals’ regular household actions and energy consumption beliefs. This is a starting point to communicating and achieving load shifting to the public in a manner that fits with their current conceptualisation of energy demand.