Improving the possibilities to monitor energy consumption at home

Inhabitants have low possibilities to monitor their energy and water consumption. The energy and water meters are typically read only once a year in Finland. The monthly bills are based on estimated consumption, i.e. the consumption of the previous year. A quantitative interview survey with a sample size of 3,094 people was performed to study attitudes and opinions about energy conservation and energy monitoring. The results show that 63% of the Finns think that it is very important or important to improve the possibilities to monitor energy consumption at home. A new prototype for monitoring energy consumption was developed at VTT. It gives occupants real time feedback on their energy consumption and the costs. In addition to the total consumption and costs, the prototype is able to present electricity consumption and costs of each device. The target is to create a system that gives occupants relevant information in a way that is easy to understand. The system is installed in two
experimental houses.