The question of energy reduction: The problem(s) with feedback

Kathryn Buchanan, Riccardo Russo and Ben Anderson

Energy Policy, 2015, vol. 77, issue C, 89-96

Abstract: With smart metering initiatives gaining increasing global popularity, the present paper seeks to challenge the increasingly entrenched view that providing householders with feedback about their energy usage, via an in-home-display, will lead them to substantially reduce their energy consumption. Specifically, we draw on existing quantitative and qualitative evidence to outline three key problems with feedback, namely: (a) the limited evidence of efficacy, (b) the need for user engagement, and (c) the potential for unintended consequences. We conclude by noting that, in their current form, existing in-home-displays may not induce the desired energy-reduction response anticipated by smart metering initiatives. Instead, if smart metering is to effectively reduce energy consumption there is a clear need to develop and test innovative new feedback devices that have been designed with user engagement in mind.

Keywords: Feedback; Problems; In-home-displays; Smart meter initiative; UK government policy; User engagement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (69)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:enepol:v:77:y:2015:i:c:p:89-96

DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2014.12.008

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