Use and Adoption of Interactive Energy Feedback Systems

Paper in proceeding, 2013

Feedback is considered as one of the most effective ways to increase people’s awareness of energy consumption. Literature commonly indicates that energy savings between 5-12% can be attained when households get feedback on their consumption. However, to assess the actual saving potential of energy feedback systems it is essential to investigate if, and how, people use the systems – if they adopt them into their everyday life. This paper presents findings from a six-months field study in which 23 households were given online feedback on their consumption. The purposes of the study were to evaluate (i) the effects of interactive energy feedback on the households’ electricity consumption and (ii) the extent to which they used the feedback web portal. In general, the participants were positive but the use of the portal was low, the dropout rate high and most households did not decrease their energy consumption. However, six highly motivated households used the portal frequently and decreased their consumption. The findings suggest that access to energy feedback does not per se make people utilize the information. However, if motivated people use energy feedback systems frequently it can increase their awareness and support energy conservation.