REDUCE

Reshaping Energy Demand of Users by Communication Technology and Economic Incentives

Dates

Start date: 1 October 2010
End date: 1 September 2013

Summary

The objective of REDUCE is to evaluate the feasibility of using network technologies and sensor devices (now being used in telecommunications) to create a persuasive energy-conscious network in a real life pilot setting and then study the potential impact on user behaviour leading to reductions in electricity demand and peak load shifts. More specifically, this 36 month project is evaluating the feasibility of using network technologies and sensor devices used in telecommunications to create a Persuasive Energy-conscious Network (PEN) in a real life pilot setting. It will then study the potential impact on user behaviour leading to reductions in, and shifts in patterns of, electricity loads. The project will then quantify the reduction in carbon footprint (and operational energy cost) of the pilot test-bed when digital technologies (PEN) are deployed. Initial studies will be undertaken in the university and on the successful completion of these it is intended to conduct field trials in different communities in Surrey.

The project is a multidisciplinary project involving researchers and academics from three different faculties in the university. The psychology strand of this research will focus on understanding public acceptability of electricity network technologies, sensors and smart devices and to examine how consumers interact with these devices as well as how interaction may impact on energy behaviours