Dissecting demand response: A quantile analysis of flexibility, household attitudes, and demographics

Demand response (DR) can aid with grid integration of renewables, ensuring security of supply, and reducing generation costs. However, not enough is known about how residential customers’ perceptions of DR shape their response to such programs. This paper offers a deeper understanding of – and revea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inEnergy research & social science Vol. 52; pp. 169 - 180
Main Authors Srivastava, Aman, Van Passel, Steven, Laes, Erik
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2019
Subjects
Demand response
Demand side management
Electricity
Household energy
Quantile regression
User acceptance
QR
Demand side management
Household energy
PV
Demand response
Quantile regression
DR
User acceptance
GW
RE
Electricity
OLS
AIC
ICT
ToU
EC
DSM
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Summary:Demand response (DR) can aid with grid integration of renewables, ensuring security of supply, and reducing generation costs. However, not enough is known about how residential customers’ perceptions of DR shape their response to such programs. This paper offers a deeper understanding of – and reveals the heterogeneity in – this relationship by conducting a quantile regression analysis of a Belgian DR trial, combining data on response with information on household attitudes towards smart appliances. Results overall suggest that improving response requires subtle shifts in electricity consumption behaviour, which can be achieved through changes in user perceptions. Specifically, if customers are inclined to be flexible, a stronger perception of smart appliances as being beneficial can greatly improve response. With those who are less flexible, the cost of smart appliances is a bigger concern. Thus, when designing DR programs, policymakers should aim to promote modest behaviour changes – so as to minimise inconvenience – in customers, by improving awareness on the benefits of smart appliances. Uptake of such DR programs may be improved by explaining the financial benefits or offering incentives to less flexible population segments. Lastly, improving response among older population segments will require a deeper investigation into their concerns.
ISSN:2214-6296
2214-6326
DOI:10.1016/j.erss.2019.02.011