Ambient sensing-based incentives for behavior modification in demand response

Abstract

We propose an ambient sensing-based incentive scheme that rewards or penalizes consumers depending on the amount of electricity they consume in the past time period and the ambient conditions under which the consumption took place. Our emphasis is to drive behaviour modification towards energy efficient behaviours. Direct interaction with users is achieved through the EnergySense smartphone application we have developed. Unlike conventional incentive schemes that simply penalize high energy consumption users (or reward low energy consumption users), we reward frugal behaviour and compliance to a recommended electricity usage plan which requires demand shifting, and penalize wasteful, e.g. turning on the air-conditioner even when the temperature is cool, and non-compliant behaviour. Furthermore, unlike other theoretical or simulation studies which make certain assumptions, the EnergySense system was tested on a 'live' testbed with smartmeters and ambient sensors involving actual users. Interesting user behaviours were observed and we highlight evidence of successful behaviour modification towards the desired energy efficient behaviours, which resulted in a win-win situation for both the consumer and the larger electrical energy ecosystem. © 2013 IEEE.