Smart home energy technologies: adoption, user experience and energy saving potential

Smart home energy management systems (SHEMS) reduce and may shift energy consumption from peak hours to off-peak hours based on energy prices,the weather, and home schedules and values. The findings revealed that SHEMS users seek primarily economic gains through SHEMS. Environmental friendliness is an important second-tier value, followed by comfort of living, security and curiosity about new technologies. However, users’ awareness was low concerning the connection of smart home energy technology to the larger energy system and increased use of renewable energy, for example by providing demand flexibility through SHEMS. The findings also revealed that energy conservation after the adoption of SHEMS was up to 30% during the winter months. The daily consumption profile changes when consumption is shifted to low-peak hours instead of peak hours. Nevertheless, there was much variation in energy conservation among households and even in the same household in different winter months.