Table 7 Summary of household changes in the level of energy management practices
Household | Change in energy management practices | Energy practices | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Increased | Off-peak use of appliances and overall conservation efforts | Awareness through reminders and increased knowledge of TOU periods |
2 | Same | Did not change | Convenience and lack of knowledge |
3 | Same | Small conservation actions where possible and thermostat control | Did not know what to do |
4 | Increased | Programmed thermostat, tried to reduce during on-peak times, adjusted thermostat by 2 °C, and thermostat control and optimization | Increased awareness, access to tools to make changesBarrier: cannot afford the newest and most expensive appliances |
5 | Increased | Spent more time being energy conscious, turned off lights, tracked and turned off appliances, and utilized timers on lights and appliances | Access to consumption data |
6 | Increased | Ran appliances off-peak, turned off lights, turned off devices not in use, and thermostat control | Increased awareness |
7 | Same | Ran major appliances off-peak, used timers on laundry machine, and thermostat control | Already energy conscious and increased number of people in the home |
8 | Same | Small actions that did not influence comfort and thermostat control | Same actions and attitudes and already energy conscious |
9 | Increased | Programmed the AC, purchased and used fans, changed daily behaviours related to energy, and used timers on smart appliances | Technology available (programmable thermostat) and increased awareness |
10 | Same | Unplugged items, replaced bulbs and appliances, shifted to off-peak periods, overall conservation actions, and thermostat control | Same actions and attitudes and already energy conscious |
11 | Increased | Responded to TOU periods (e.g., laundry on evenings and weekends) | Project interactions |
12 | Increased | Overall conservation and reduced consumption of high-consuming appliances and responded to TOU periods | Increased awareness |
13 | Same | Reduced consumption of high consuming devices, responded to TOU periods, and thermostat control | Same actions and attitudes and already energy conscious |
14 | Same | Turned off devices not in use, investigated circuit loads for reductions, responded to TOU periods, and thermostat control | Comfort |
15 | Increased | On-peak consumption and overall consumption reduction, used automation technology to help with day-to-day reductions, and thermostat control | Visualization of information |