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A Review of Behavioral Energy Reduction Programs and Implementation of a Pilot Peer-to-Peer Led Behavioral Energy Reduction Program for a Low-Income Neighborhood

Author

Listed:
  • Jennifer Hoody

    (Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA)

  • Anya Galli Robertson

    (Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA)

  • Sarah Richard

    (Clean Energy 4 All, Dayton, OH 45410, USA)

  • Claire Frankowski

    (Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA
    Clean Energy 4 All, Dayton, OH 45410, USA)

  • Kevin Hallinan

    (Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, USA
    Clean Energy 4 All, Dayton, OH 45410, USA)

  • Ciara Owens

    (Clean Energy 4 All, Dayton, OH 45410, USA)

  • Bob Pohl

    (Clean Energy 4 All, Dayton, OH 45410, USA)

Abstract

Utility-sponsored residential energy reduction programs have seen rapid advancement in the Unites States (US) over the past decade. These programs have particularly emphasized investments in energy efficient appliances and enveloped improvements. They have generally required co-investment by residents and, as a result, have mostly reached medium to high-income residents, with low income residences, in effect, supporting the utility investments through higher energy costs. Additionally, utility initiatives directed toward behavior-based energy reduction have reached residences with more advanced technologies, such as smart meters and smart Wi-Fi thermostats linked to phone apps, technologies generally not present in low-income residences. This research seeks to inform development of behavior-based energy reduction programs aimed specifically at low-income residences, premised on peer-to-peer energy education and support. It focuses on the design and implementation of a pilot program for 84 low-income residences in a medium-sized Midwestern US urban neighborhood, followed by measurement of realized energy savings and assessment of program outcomes through surveys of resident participants and interviews with program implementers. Only 21 residences provided an initial response to outreach. Of these, only 11 participated, and of these, energy savings were, in general, modest. However, evidence based upon other research and qualitative data obtained from program implementers and participants is presented in this study for the development of an improved design. The improved design emphasizes grassroots community co-design of the program and community engagement through program implementation to transform energy consumption and behaviors and find energy justice for vulnerable communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennifer Hoody & Anya Galli Robertson & Sarah Richard & Claire Frankowski & Kevin Hallinan & Ciara Owens & Bob Pohl, 2021. "A Review of Behavioral Energy Reduction Programs and Implementation of a Pilot Peer-to-Peer Led Behavioral Energy Reduction Program for a Low-Income Neighborhood," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-27, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:15:p:4635-:d:605472
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abdulrahman Alanezi & Kevin P. Hallinan & Kefan Huang, 2021. "Automated Residential Energy Audits Using a Smart WiFi Thermostat-Enabled Data Mining Approach," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-23, April.
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    3. Grilli, Gianluca & Curtis, John, 2021. "Encouraging pro-environmental behaviours: A review of methods and approaches," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    4. Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Dworkin, Michael H., 2015. "Energy justice: Conceptual insights and practical applications," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 435-444.
    5. Dominic J. Bednar & Tony G. Reames, 2020. "Recognition of and response to energy poverty in the United States," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 5(6), pages 432-439, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Giuseppe T. Cirella & Barbara Pawłowska, 2021. "Advancements in the Energy Sector and the Socioeconomic Development Nexus," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-5, December.
    2. Serrano-Bosquet, Francisco Javier & Carreño Correa, Lina María & Giorgi, Emanuele, 2023. "Review: technological resources for vulnerable communities," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).

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