Participation in demand side response. Are individual energy users interested in this?

DSR is crucial for leveraging user flexibility to integrate renewable energy efficiently, also for smaller users like households, and for utilizing surplus energy from prosumers, highlighting its potential. Public perceptions, habits and responsiveness are crucial to its success. A method to determine the initial state of interest in DSR is a survey. This paper presents the results, obtained on the basis of statistical analysis of responses and averaging of scores according to the Likert scale. The survey was conducted among 400 Polish small electricity users. Poland is an exemplary country where external and internal signals can potentially accelerate building a new customer-supported energy sector. The research found low awareness of DSR among individual users, but a strong interest in the concept. It suggested that incentive schemes are preferred over dynamic tariff systems. In general, energy users show rational behaviour regarding specific DSR options, with financial benefits indicated as the primary motivation and social pressure and fulfilling energy policy objectives were deemed least important. This public perception, however, allows for a wider implementation of DSR. Transparent participation rules are crucial. The results research results can inspire policymakers, energy service providers, and aggregators to tailor DSR solutions for diverse end-users.