Heterogeneity of Electricity Consumption Patterns in Vulnerable Households

Gianluca Trotta,Pernille Lykke Jørgensen,Kirsten Gram-Hanssen

doi:10.3390/en13184713

Gianluca Trotta, Pernille Lykke Jørgensen + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/en13184713

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Journal: Energies	Publication Date: Sep 10, 2020
Citations: 16	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Aalborg University

Abstract

A key aspect of the design of specific tariff structures is to identify and characterize homogeneous electricity consumption profiles. Recent research in residential electricity demand has explored load profile segmentation via cluster analysis combined with descriptive data from the dwelling and occupants, which has partly explained electricity load patterns and their underlying drivers but has failed to investigate any consumption heterogeneity among similar households. Thus, the aim of this paper is to reverse this approach and investigate the extent that households with similar characteristics have different electricity consumption patterns. This study combines population-based register data with hourly electricity consumption data for a sample of 67 Danish households. First, a homogenous household group is selected based on several indicators that signal vulnerability. The specific group under investigation is single-person, older, low-income households in detached housing. Second, K-means clustering is used to identify similarities and differences in consumption patterns. The results indicate four distinct vulnerable household profiles characterized by different start and end times of peak and off-peak times, peak intensities, and overall consumption, which vary across seasons. These profiles are discussed concerning the performance of everyday practices and the design of demand-side management strategies targeted at vulnerable households.

Highlights

The traditional electricity customer classification based on a few macro-categories is poorly correlated with the actual electrical consumption behavior of different types of customer and the evolution of the electricity markets [1]
The results indicate substantial consumption heterogeneity across similar households that cannot bebycaptured by their sociodemographic dwelling characteristics (Additional be cannot captured their sociodemographic and dwellingand characteristics (Additional heterogeneous heterogeneous consumption patterns could potentially be found if broader indicators of vulnerability consumption patterns could potentially be found if broader indicators of vulnerability were considered)
This study investigates electricity consumption patterns in vulnerable households in Denmark

Summary

Introduction

The traditional electricity customer classification based on a few macro-categories (e.g., residential, industrial, and commercial) is poorly correlated with the actual electrical consumption behavior of different types of customer and the evolution of the electricity markets [1]. The identification of homogeneous customer groups (or clusters) sharing a similar magnitude and timing of electricity usage represents a worthwhile asset for utilities and policymakers in the design of tailored demand-side management (DSM) strategies for load shifting and domestic electricity demand reduction [2,3,4]. Detailed knowledge of the underlying drivers shaping the electricity demand of customers can better support utilities and policymakers in segment-specific time-varying rate designs, in which the tariff rates are in line with effective electricity use by various customer types [6], targeted marketing campaigns and consumption feedback, domestic electricity load forecasting, and tailored energy efficiency strategies to reduce electricity demand [7,8,9].

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