Lessons Learnt from European Metering Campaigns of Electrical End Uses in the Residential Sector

Panel: Panel 4: Human dimensions of energy use and efficiency

Authors:
Benoît Lebot, Agence de l'Environnement & de la Maîtrise de l'Énergie, France
Carlos Lopes, Agence de l'Environnement & de la Maîtrise de l'Énergie, France
Paul Waide, Agence de l'Environnement & de la Maîtrise de l'Énergie, France
Olivier Sidler, Agence de l'Environnement & de la Maîtrise de l'Énergie, France

Abstract

In recent years, several institutions in Europe have carried-out metering campaigns in the residential sector in order to monitor electricity consumption by individual end-use. The specific goals of these campaigns have been: to explain the aggregate residential load curves observed; to understand how electricity is being used and in particular how much and for what activities; to provide data for use in bottom-up forecasting models; and to guide energy conservation and DSM programme development. The overall aim is to enable better conduct of demand side management efforts in the residential sector.

This paper presents the results of major European metering projects carried out in France1,3, Portugal2, Sweden4 and the United-Kingdom5. It establishes the extent of commonality and differences in electricity use between the different regions. It focuses on the most significant and comparable end-uses, namely: cold and wet appliances, lighting and domestic electronic equipment. The main findings are analysed from both the behavioural and technical points of view and linkages between the two are discussed.

The paper illustrates the relevance of metering campaigns for the provision of sound background data required for energy efficiency policy development in Europe.