Household factors and electrical peak demand: a review for further assessment

Abstract

At least one-third of the total electricity generation of a country is consumed by the residential sector, which is one of the most unpredictable consumer groups with respect to electricity usage and thus risks network security by producing peaks in demand. Consequently, a growing body of literature has paid particular attention to this sector and explored the household factors responsible for residential electricity consumption. However, comprehensive studies that explicitly considered all these factors in relation to peaks in demand have rarely been undertaken. A comprehensive review of the factors that contribute to residential electricity consumption has thus been conducted. Possible links between these factors and peaks in demand are investigated. As part of this review, in-house energy-use dynamics are presented, and a framework for future studies is introduced. The results of this review would serve as a useful reference to engage in new research dealing with residential factors and peaks in electrical demand.

Energy-saving behaviour as a demand-side management strategy in the developing world: the case of Bangladesh

“…Effective demand-side management strategy design for the residential sector depends on proper identification of factors that are responsible for driving electricity demand at houses. A large and growing body of literature has investigated different household factors such as building characteristics, socio-demographic characteristics and found relationship in driving residential electricity demand [115][116][117][118][119][120][121]. For example, Brounen et al (2012) found that electricity consumption at houses varies predominantly due to family composition and income of the household [117].…”

“…In India, Filippini and Pachauri (2004) found that area of the house and demographic characteristics such as 'age of the head of the house' have large impact on electricity consumption in urban area [119]. A recent review study considered most of these household factors that contribute to electricity demand including peak demand at houses, in which the author categorized the factors as 'climate and location of the dwelling', 'physical characteristics of the dwelling', 'household activities and services', 'economic capability', 'sociodemographic characteristics', 'cost of energy', and 'potential drivers of future residential consumption' [115].…”

“…New energy-saving behaviour in homes can be adapted, which follows a cyclic order as depicted in Fig. 9, which was first proposed in [115], involving two phases. Phase I deals with personal goal setting, analysing the influencing factors related to energy consumption and identifying appropriate technology or instruments to achieve the goal.…”

“…Different demand response strategies' implementation time and achievement percentages for DSM program planning (solid line: behaviour; square dotted line: technology; round dotted line: pricing; long dash line: regulation) Steps in adapting a new energy-saving behaviour at home[115] …”

The effect of sociodemographic diversity of residential customers on the financial risk experienced in the retail electricity market

“…Customers who favor larger dwellings or older households tend to have higher peak demand. 7 There has also been evidence that psychological factors such as customer attitudes, habits, and personal motivations all influence the variation in electricity demand 8,9 ; in particular, it has been noted that conservative customers tend to use less electricity, but in a more consistent manner, thus reducing quantity risk. 8,9 In this vein, Torriti 10 modeled quantity risk in five European countries and showed that increasing peak electricity use may increase quantity risk.…”