A Review of Behavioral Energy Reduction Programs and Implementation of a Pilot Peer-to-Peer Led Behavioral Energy Reduction Program for a Low-Income Neighborhood

Abstract

Utility-sponsored residential energy reduction programs have seen rapid advancement in the Unites States (US) over the past decade. These programs have particularly emphasized investments in energy efficient appliances and enveloped improvements. They have generally required co-investment by residents and, as a result, have mostly reached medium to high-income residents, with low income residences, in effect, supporting the utility investments through higher energy costs. Additionally, utility initiatives directed toward behavior-based energy reduction have reached residences with more advanced technologies, such as smart meters and smart Wi-Fi thermostats linked to phone apps, technologies generally not present in low-income residences. This research seeks to inform development of behavior-based energy reduction programs aimed specifically at low-income residences, premised on peer-to-peer energy education and support. It focuses on the design and implementation of a pilot program for 84 low-income residences in a medium-sized Midwestern US urban neighborhood, followed by measurement of realized energy savings and assessment of program outcomes through surveys of resident participants and interviews with program implementers. Only 21 residences provided an initial response to outreach. Of these, only 11 participated, and of these, energy savings were, in general, modest. However, evidence based upon other research and qualitative data obtained from program implementers and participants is presented in this study for the development of an improved design. The improved design emphasizes grassroots community co-design of the program and community engagement through program implementation to transform energy consumption and behaviors and find energy justice for vulnerable communities.

Advancements in the Energy Sector and the Socioeconomic Development Nexus

“…Hoody et al [11] investigated American-based reduction programs that have overseen utility-sponsored residential energy over the last decade. The programs disclosed important investments in energy efficient appliances and developments.…”

“…The programs disclosed important investments in energy efficient appliances and developments. They noted that co-investment by residents of varying socioeconomic backgrounds supported the utility initiatives directed toward behaviour-based energy reduction via "technologies, such as smart meters and smart Wi-Fi thermostats linked to phone apps" [11]. The research sought to explore these programs specifically at low-income residences using peer-to-peer energy education and support.…”

“…This study correlated previous findings in which qualitative data, obtained from program implementers is a viable starting point for the development of an improved energy design. The design highlighted "grassroots community co-design of the program and community engagement through program implementation to transform energy consumption and behaviours and find energy justice for vulnerable communities" [11].…”