Abstract

It is often claimed that smart meters will help households save energy up to 15%. This affirmation confuses smart meters (which are communicating meters) with energy consumption displays (which are readable in homes). Furthermore, the analysis of recent and scientific studies on the actual use of smart meters reveals that the actual energy savings are around 2-4% in the best cases when consumers have clearly opted for their use. I explain this unexpected low result by the diversity of consumers and the notion of appropriation, as it has been observed in an experiment led in Belgium. The paper addresses the question of appropriation of an “immediate direct feedback” and how its use is related to different dimensions: comfort, values, knowledge, skills, material culture. On the basis of an original protocol that intends to interfere as little as possible with users, we installed electricity monitors in 21 Belgian households. Concepts at the crossroads of STS (Science Technology Society) theory and practice theory (Reckwitz, Warde, Shove) have been found particularly useful in interpreting and explaining the results. The main result of the study is that the monitor can change electricity perception, but that only households already interested or involved in energy savings are willing to use and learn with the monitor. I conclude that these devices will become ‘smart’ when consumers use them smartly and this implies that they actively participate in the creation and definition of functionalities, usages and m

Paper

Download this paper as pdf: Paper

Presentation

Download this presentation as pdf: Presentation

Panels of

Presentations