Smart Homes as a Means to Sustainable Energy Consumption: A Study of Consumer Perceptions |
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Authors: | Alexandra-Gwyn Paetz Elisabeth Dütschke Wolf Fichtner |
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Institution: | (1) Chair of Energy Economics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hertzstr 16, D-76187 Karlsruhe, Germany;(2) Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI), Breslauer Str 48, D-76139 Karlsruhe, Germany |
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Abstract: | European and national policies are aimed at reducing greenhouse gases and increasing energy efficiency—also in the household
sector. For this purpose, new solutions for private homes based on information and communication technologies (ICT) are being
developed and tested. However, up to now, hardly anyone has seen, experienced or lived in an environment that offers the full
range of ICT-based energy management solutions. In this study, consumer reactions to a fully furnished and equipped smart
home are analysed using focus groups (four groups with a total of 29 participants). The analysis looks at consumer perceptions
of and reactions to an energy management system which optimizes electricity consumption based on different ICT solutions.
The topics that were demonstrated in practice and then discussed with the participants included variable tariffs, smart metering,
smart appliances, and home automation. In general, there were positive group reactions to the smart home environment. Consumers
saw many advantages for themselves; especially the chance to save money. However, giving up high levels of flexibility and
adapting everyday routines to fit in with electricity tariffs were regarded as difficult. Smart appliances and smart meters
were therefore considered to be necessary elements by most participants. Concerns regarding data privacy played a major role
in one of the groups. |
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