Household factors and electrical peak demand: a review for further assessment

ABSTRACT

At least one-third of the total electricity generation of a country is consumed by the residential sector, which is one of the most unpredictable consumer groups with respect to electricity usage and thus risks network security by producing peaks in demand. Consequently, a growing body of literature has paid particular attention to this sector and explored the household factors responsible for residential electricity consumption. However, comprehensive studies that explicitly considered all these factors in relation to peaks in demand have rarely been undertaken. A comprehensive review of the factors that contribute to residential electricity consumption has thus been conducted. Possible links between these factors and peaks in demand are investigated. As part of this review, in-house energy-use dynamics are presented, and a framework for future studies is introduced. The results of this review would serve as a useful reference to engage in new research dealing with residential factors and peaks in electrical demand.

KEYWORDS:

• Residential electricity consumption
• residential energy-use factors
• in-house energy-use dynamics
• residential electrical energy profiling
• electrical peaks in demand

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1 Data source: http://www.emi.ea.govt.nz/

2 Pequot Publishing Inc. (February 2008). Gas Turbine World Handbook 2007–2008: Vol. 26

3 This type of shower heats the water instantaneously by a heating element and then mixes hot and cold water to obtain the final water temperature for use.

4 World Energy Outlook 2006, Chapter 15 - Energy for Cooking in Developing Countries, p. 422.