Where Are They Now?: Revisiting Energy Use Feedback a Decade After Deployment

Abstract

In home displays (IHD's) of energy use offers potential to engage households with energy use and improve energy literacy. Yet explorations of use over longer time periods are lacking. Based on qualitative in-home interviews with 19 participants, this research provides accounts from owners of IHD's up to 10 years after their initial deployment. Findings indicate the near complete abandonment of the devices and participants' reflections exemplify the short-lived value provided by simple cent-a-meter IHD's. The paper reflects on IHD's as a component of broadscale energy literacy programs, closing with suggestions for how designers might re-frame energy engagement as a service.