There are a number of emerging positive impacts and outcomes as a result of this project:
Energy Efficiency Awareness:
Throughout the trial, residents generated a greater understanding of their energy use, specifically around individual devices. On average, each home identified over seven individual devices ranging from microwaves and ovens, to hoovers and space heaters. Once a device was identified by the Sense monitor, the energy usage and estimated code of that device was recorded and reported back to the resident in real time, as well as being tracked for daily/ weekly/ monthly views, improving their knowledge of electricity usage in their home by providing more detailed, granular information.
The survey findings are emerging and will be important to understand if and where awareness has increased. However, in advance feedback is captured through the Community Group, for example one resident has reported to us;
I cannot get over how clever this gadget is! It is so interesting learning how much power I consume.
Technological Literacy:
One of the main barriers we identified was technological literacy and the confidence of residents to engage with and benefit from new technology. This project gave the opportunity for residents with lower technological literacy to experience new technology, in particular the more advanced use of smartphones, and gain confidence and understanding. The app required a level of resident engagement and included things like setting up an account, verifying an email address and labelling devices. Some resident feedback indicated that their confidence in using tech had grown and they had benefitted in this way from the trial. This is another impact which will be tested across the participant group through the next survey data collection period.
Improved management of energy use, and electricity reduction where possible:
There are emerging findings on energy use reduction. For example, a recent nudge challenge to encourage participants to look at devices that are ‘Always On’ has seen a reduction in electricity use of up to 20 per cent for one household, and 4 per cent for the group overall compared to the weeks prior. Importantly, this will continue to be monitored and is an emerging finding only. Overall, nearly half of participants have seen a significant reduction in their average weekly electricity use so far, since they started on the trial.
Furthermore, the ‘Energy Community’ has seen several residents report how they are finding this management and app use, including the following quotes:
This is fun. I have gradually turned into a device detector…
I am up to 8 devices found. The machine is definitely not British; it only just found the kettle.
Behaviour change - I now ensure that electrical devices are on only when in use. No more on standby. Hoping to achieve my monthly target.
Comprehensive data analysis across and within the participant group will be continuing across the next stage as more participants have the device for a number of months and to control for factors such as seasonality and household type. DG Cities look forward to being able to report on the project outcomes, as well as recommendations, in the next stage.