The Effects of Daily Cost Feedback on Residential Electricity Consumption

Thirty families were divided into two groups of 15 families each (A and B). Following a 12-day baseline period, daily feedback was provided to Group A families. Subsequent daily meter readings revealed that these families consistently used less electricity than the 15 families who were not receiving feedback (Group B). After 52 days the conditions were reversed and Group B families were provided with daily cost feedback while Group A families received no feedback. Following an initial reversal in consumption, Group B families once again used more electricity. However, a within-group analysis of the consumption of Group B families revealed that on days of comparable temperature levels, consumption was lower on feedback days than days in which no feedback was received. The fact that reversal of conditions did not produce reversals in consumption was attributed to the possibility of carryover effects of the initial feedback provided to Group A families. The results suggest that feedback is an effective way of reducing electricity usage and that efforts to promote energy conservation may be more effective if they are made when demands for energy are low.