The Effect of Feedback on Residential Electrical Peaking and Hourly Kilowatt Consumption

Abstract

The problem. Electricity consumption research has primarily investigated procedures designed to decrease overall kilowatt hour (KWH) consumption. Only one study has reported the effects of a procedure on the pattern of electricity consumption. The present study assessed the effects of feedback on KWH consumption and the consumption pattern. Procedure. The present study compared the effects of a feedback light and buzzer, which signalled high consumption in any 15 min period of the day, with an initial and final baseline period where no feedback was given. Three volunteer families served as subjects. Five measures of overall consumption were used. Findings. Each consumption measure decreased during Feedback for all families. When feedback was withdrawn in the final Baseline period for two families, all measures from one family and one measure from the other family returned to the initial Baseline levels. The consumption pattern during Feedback remained unchanged in one family and changed in another family when compared to Baseline. Conclusions. Feedback can decrease overall KWH consumption and change the consumption pattern. Recommendations. Further research could assess the effects of other procedures on electricity consumption and identify other kinds of changes in the consumption pattern.