Connecting research to practice to improve energy demand-side management (DSM)

Abstract

a b s t r a c tExchange of experience between researchers and practitioners is important for arriving at new knowledge that is translatable into practice and at the same time endures in science. This notion has been central in CHANGING BEHAVIOUR, a project aimed at a better understanding of why energy demand-side management (DSM) programmes succeed or fail. Generally, there is a growing tradition of evaluation that encompasses the co-construction of programmes, technology and context. Nevertheless, most current research and evaluation in this particular area focuses solely on the influence of programme characteristics while overlooking contextual factors and transdisciplinary integration. This paper presents the outcomes of theoretical and empirical work involving new insights regarding the crucial conditions for successful energy DSM programmes. In addition, we demonstrate the usefulness of an Action Research methodology that aims to explicitly promote social change though transdisciplinary collaboration between researchers and practitioners. We conclude that a conceptualisation of energy behavioural change as nested within and interacting with broader social processes differs from existing models that place individual change processes at the centre of attention. The toolbox we developed for and with practitioners (involved in designing and implementing energy demand-side programmes) differs accordingly, among others in that it is context-sensitive.

Common failures of demand response

“…Breukers et al pointed out that even though effecting a change in consumer behavior is a central part of a successful DR program, analysis of social change is largely absent from existing research models [19]. The main focus has thus far been on program characteristics as contributing factors in success of demand response.…”

Fostering Residential Demand Response through Dynamic Pricing Schemes: A Behavioural Review of Smart Grid Pilots in Europe

“…Breukers et al [14] have pointed out that effecting a change in consumer behavior is a central part of a successful DR program. Behavioral change is something that has to be worked for, and is not going to occur automatically by introducing some form of dynamic pricing [44].…”

“…No statistically significant correlations between other socio-economic factors such as household income or education and response to price signals could be found by the ADVANCED consortium, while Faruqui and Sergici [13] did find a correlation between average education level and load shifting. We can therefore conclude that careful contextual and transdisciplinary research and understanding, building on the insights and practices of local stakeholders and households, is needed to make a specific DR program a success [14]. However, there is also a need to transcend the single-case perspective and to stimulate learning across projects.…”

Sustainable development of energy, water and environment systems

“…Breukers [42] reports on the importance of research on demand side management, Haas [43] reports on effectiveness of supporting renewables while Mainali [44] reports on financing off-grid rural electrification in Nepal.…”