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Real-time Feedback and Electricity Consumption: A Field Experiment Assessing the Potential for Savings and Persistence

Author

Listed:
  • Sebastien Houde
  • Annika Todd
  • Anant Sudarshan
  • June A. Flora
  • K. Carrie Armel

Abstract

Real-time information feedback delivered via technology has been reported to produce up to 20 percent declines in residential energy consumption. There are however large differences in estimates of the effect of real-time feedback technologies on energy use. In this study, we conduct a field experiment to obtain an estimate of the impact of a real-time feedback technology. Access to feedback leads to an average reduction in household electricity consumption of 5.7percent. Significant declines persist for up to four weeks. In examining time of day reduction effects, we find that the largest reductions were observed initially at all times of the day but as time passes, morning and evening intervals show larger reductions. We find no convincing evidence that household characteristics explain heterogeneity in our treatment effects; we examine demographics, housing characteristics and psychological variables.

Suggested Citation

  • Sebastien Houde & Annika Todd & Anant Sudarshan & June A. Flora & K. Carrie Armel, 2013. "Real-time Feedback and Electricity Consumption: A Field Experiment Assessing the Potential for Savings and Persistence," The Energy Journal, , vol. 34(1), pages 87-102, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:enejou:v:34:y:2013:i:1:p:87-102
    DOI: 10.5547/01956574.34.1.4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ian Ayres & Sophie Raseman & Alice Shih, 2009. "Evidence from Two Large Field Experiments that Peer Comparison Feedback Can Reduce Residential Energy Usage," NBER Working Papers 15386, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    2. Valentin Favre-Bulle & Sylvain Weber, 2026. "Financial and Non-Financial Incentives, and the Crowding-Out Effect: Evidence from a Field Experiment on Residential Electricity Consumption in Switzerland," IRENE Working Papers 26-04, IRENE Institute of Economic Research.
    3. Millar, Melanie I. & White, Roger M., 2024. "Do residential property assessed clean energy (PACE) financing programs affect local house price growth?," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
    4. Natalia Borzino & Benjamin Hiepler & Kathrin Schmitt & Jan Schmitz & Renate Schubert & Verena Tiefenbeck, 2025. "Switching Off: Energy Saving Goals Outshine Incentives—Evidence from a Field Experiment," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 88(6), pages 1499-1540, June.
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    6. Andreas Gerster & Mark A. Andor & Lorenz Götte, 2020. "Disaggregate Consumption Feedback," CRC TR 224 Discussion Paper Series crctr224_2020_182v2, University of Bonn and University of Mannheim, Germany, revised May 2025.
    7. Stampatori, Daniele & Banerjee, Sanchayan & Chaves Ávila, José Pablo, 2026. "Shaping electricity end-user behaviour for demand response using the COM-B model," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).

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