Aimie Hope

@article{7cd6a812c5b54f3f9594b325c4e2a466,

title = {Householders’ readiness for demand-side response: A qualitative study of how domestic tasks might be shifted in time},

author = {Ian Walker and Aimie Hope},

doi = {10.1016/j.enbuild.2020.109888},

issn = {0378-7788},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-05-15},

journal = {Energy and Buildings},

volume = {215},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {Domestic demand-side response (DSR) involves having householders shift energy-consumptive behaviours forwards or backwards in time to avoid peak-demand periods. Time of Use tariffs, which vary the cost of energy depending on when it is used, are a proposed mechanism for DSR. However, we do not know which behaviours, if any, are amenable to being brought forward or postponed, nor what information people would need to do this. Here we presented people with hypothetical variable financial costs and, for the first time, carbon costs for future energy consumption. People's think-aloud decisions about when they would perform consumptive activities were qualitatively analysed. We show that non-daily high-consumption activities (e.g., ironing, vacuuming) are perceived as moveable in response to price changes or, notably, information about environmental consequences; but barriers to moving other activities, even in the face of higher costs or environmental harm, include household dynamics (difficulties negotiating consumption across cohabitants), social roles, community living (not wishing to disturb neighbours), lack of energy literacy and the routine nature of many tasks. This study provides a framework for understanding which behaviours might or might not be shifted and what guidance and information may be needed by householders if tariffs are to provide effective DSR.},

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pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{c903251d36f3412aaf8e64ae238f5f4e,

title = {Consumer engagement in low-carbon home energy in the United Kingdom: Implications for future energy system decentralization},

author = {Aimie Hope and Thomas Roberts and Ian Walker},

doi = {10.1016/j.erss.2018.05.032},

issn = {2214-6296},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-10-01},

journal = {Energy Research & Social Science},

volume = {44},

pages = {362–370},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {There are competing visions for what future low-carbon energy systems might look like. However, it is likely that consumers will be more actively involved in managing their energy use. Consequently, there is likely to be some disruption to the current rhythm of everyday domestic social practices. This paper considers what we can learn from people who already take a more active role in managing their energy supply, with the aim of identifying transferable lessons that could be applied to future energy system decentralization. We compare two case studies focused on people with different levels of grid connectivity - people living off-grid on narrowboats and living in semi-grid connected houses in rural Norfolk. We find that where people had constraints on their energy use, they responded in three main ways. First, they diversified their energy supplies, including adopting traditional fuels such as coal and wood. Second, people planned, monitored and shifted their energy use, responding in ways favorable to micro-generation and demand-side response. Third, people curtailed energy use. We propose that UK households may respond in similar ways to decentralized energy. Finally we consider the implications of our findings for future energy policy aimed at decentralizing energy production and supply.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}