The hidden work of everyday decisions in the home - Domestic energy managers and their implications for future smart grids

Abstract

The role of residents in future smart energy systems and grids has been mainly seen as one of reactive users, responding to incentives or information often generated via automated processes. As new smart grids and smart energy systems begin to take shape, the active social role residents may play, especially in the context of international flexibility programmes and electrification transitions, becomes increasingly critical.

The paper draws on semi-structured interviews with 34 residents in the UK, that followed an analysis of 639 survey responses. Our insights show that two types of home energy managers are important to include in planning for energy transitions and electrification, not only in the UK, but also internationally, where electrification transitions are underway. Based on the results, we recommend that local and national governments address the following issues to strengthen the role of home energy managers in energy transitions: 1) creating a social energy culture as a service within neighbourhoods; 2) promoting policy development innovation through neighbourhood social energy learning; 3) including residents as active drivers of energy transitions and not only as passive receptors; 4) developing tailored visions for home energy management that move beyond generalist technological innovation and technocratic fixes.