Dynamics of Energy Use in UK Households : End-use monitoring of Electric Cookers

Abstract

This study was funded by DGXVII of the EC and the UK DETR. It commenced in January 1997 and was completed in January 1999. The general context of the research was that of reducing the energy consumption of the existing stock of domestic cooking appliances by influencing consumer behaviour at the points of use. The energy consumptions of electric cookers in 36 UK homes were measured in detail and three methods for influencing end users to reduce their cooking energy consumptions were developed and assessed in 32 households. These "information-transfer methods" involved providing householders with: (a) an energy-saving information pack; (b) appropriate electronic energy-consumption feedback indicators (ECIs) to display the inuse consumptions; or (c) information-pack plus ECI.