Determinants of household electricity consumption savings: A Latvian case study

I. Laicāne*, A. Blumberga, M. Rošā and D. Blumberga

Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering, Riga Technical University, Kronvalda boulevard ¹, LV–¹0¹0 Riga, Latvia;
*Correspondence: ilze.laicane@rtu.lv

Abstract:

In order to assess the potential for energy efficiency in households it is important to understand the implications for household electricity consumption by analyzing the factors that impact consumption. Moreover some recent studies suggested that changes in household electricity consumption are more likely to be explained by user behavioural aspects than technical solutions. This paper examines the influence of household’s personal, demographic, socio–economic, the stock and use of electrical appliances, structural characteristics, external factors (such as weather, location etc.) by analysing data obtained from a smart metering pilot project currently being implemented in ⁵00 Latvian households. The preliminary results show a decrease of the electricity consumption in ²0¹³ (April–December) by ²³% for the target group and ⁵% for the control group. The aim of the study is to introduce a novel model for assessing electricity consumption and savings achieved in households. The main tasks of this study is to examine the main characteristics determining electricity consumption savings, in particular, to evaluate the extent of smart metering influence on electricity consumption savings by using linear regression model.

Key words:

electricity consumption, energy efficiency, linear regression, Smart metering

Assessment of changes in households’ electricity consumption

I. Laicāne*, A. Blumberga, M. Rosa and D. Blumberga

Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering, Institute of Energy Systems andEnvironment, Riga Technical University, Kronvalda bulvaris 1, LV-1010, Riga, Latvia;
*Correspondence: ilze.laicane@rtu.lv

Abstract:

The purpose of this research is based on a literature review analysis mainly based onthe evaluation of the effectiveness from the smart metering implementation as a behaviouralfeedback on the consumer daily lives and their motivations on reducing energy consumption. Afeasibility analysis of the improved household monitoring system with integrated smart metersand assessment of changes in residential electricity consumption were performed. In this study,an initial assessment of the pilot project for smart meters installation were conducted; thepreparation of the questionnaire survey for involvement of households in the pilot project weredescribed; a literature review on the factors effecting users’ behaviour were conducted; andbased on this literature review an assessment of household electricity consumption and CO2emission savings were provided. This research serves as a basis for further research to explorefactors influencing the user behaviour and to make analysis on electricity consumptionreduction in households, as well as the further development of smart metering in Latvia.

Key words: