Abstract
Residential demand response empowers the role of electricity consumers by allowing them to change their patterns of consumption, which can help balance the energy grid. Although such type of management is envisaged to play an increasingly important role in the integration of renewables into the grid, the factors that influence household engagement in these initiatives have not been fully explored in Japan. This study examines the influence of interpersonal, intrapersonal, and socio-demographic characteristics of households in Yokohama on their willingness to participate in demand response programs. Time of use, real time pricing, critical peak pricing, and direct load control were considered as potential candidates for adoption. In addition, the authors explored the willingness of households to receive non-electricity related information in their in-home displays and participate in a philanthropy-based peer-to-peer energy platform. Primary data were collected though a questionnaire survey and supplemented by key informant interviews. The findings indicate that household income, ownership of electric vehicles, socio-environmental awareness, perceived sense of comfort, control, and complexity, as well as philanthropic inclinations, all constitute drivers that influence demand flexibility. Finally, policy recommendations that could potentially help introduce residential demand response programs to a wider section of the public are also proposed.
Highlights
Electric grid systems are most efficient and reliable when supply and demand are balanced, which is typically achieved through the expansion of generation sources, the use of reserves and the capacity of transmission and distribution networks [1]
The majority lived in a house that is larger than 90 m2 (74.2%) and most did not have an in-home display (IHD) installed in their home (81.3%)
A statistically significant relationship was identified between their interest in having their electricity supplier operate in a socially responsible manner and Philanthropic Program (PP). These findings suggest that the role of electricity providers as trustworthy and socio-environmentally active agents will play an important role in engaging residential electricity consumers in philanthropy-oriented Demand response (DR)
Summary
Electric grid systems are most efficient and reliable when supply and demand are balanced, which is typically achieved through the expansion of generation sources, the use of reserves and the capacity of transmission and distribution networks [1]. In the context of Japan, peak electricity demand periods (typically during daytime in summer) are infrequent and constitute 10 to 15% of the total generation costs, even though much of the installed capacity to meet them is under-utilized throughout the year [3]. Electricity costs increased substantially following the introduction of additional fossil fuel taxation, leading to an increase in the percentage of people living beneath the energy poverty line (defined as households spending more than 10% of their income on electricity) [4]. National estimates indicate that energy poverty disproportionately affects lower-income households ( those comprised of a single-parent with dependent child and elderly) and at present over 15% of Japanese households can be characterized as “energy-poor” [4]
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