Table 2 Description of the project-led behavioural engagement mechanisms
Item | Description | Classification | Frequency | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Goal setting | Self-set goal for consumption reduction monitored on a web portal | Goal setting | Ongoing | December 2011–project end |
Web portal | Web-based portal providing access to whole house and appliance-level consumption feedback. Access to settings for scheduling, goal setting, and control also included | Feedback, monitoring, and control | Ongoing | November 2011–April 2012 |
Reminder emails | Bi-monthly emails sent to remind participants to log in to the web portal | Reminder | Bi-monthly | January 2012–August 2013 |
Webinar | A webinar to introduce the control feature and other elements of the web portal | Education | Once | March 2013 |
Incentivized control programme | Households were invited to use the air conditioner ‘control’ function in return for C$100 for each week’s participation for 2 weeks during the months of July and August 2013 | Control | Twice | July and August 2013 |
Weekly electricity report | A weekly email sent to participants indicating their total, on-peak, and appliance-specific consumption. It compared their consumption to other households in the project as well as to the previous year. Conservation tips were provided | Feedback | Weekly | June–December 2014 |