First results of energy experiment on Texel

Since the fall of 2014, TIAS researchers, with support of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, have been conducting, together with Alliander, a large-scale experiment on the island of Texel. As part of this field experiment, over 200 households are informed about their energy consumption via wall displays. In what way does this insight affect our consumption and how can smart technology help achieve a social objective?

Image: © Nationale Beeldbank

An experiment in stages

The Texel experiment is carried out in several stages. In Stage 1, residents receive basic information via the KIEK, a small screen on the wall, which displays information about the actual energy consumption every 15 minutes. Stage 2 starts after three months and provides more complete information. The energy consumption of the respective occupant is measured against that of the neighborhood. In addition, residents receive practical tips on saving and thus go/stay below the average of the area. 

Energy-saving behavior

Meanwhile, Dirk Brounen (TIAS) and Erdal Aydin (Maastricht University) studied the first results of stages 1 and 2. They show that the comparative information on consumption from Stage 2 leads to a saving of almost 18%. This reduction appears strongest among the older and more energy conscious households in the sample. The information that KIEK provides can therefore promote energy saving behavior among households. Especially among households who want to understand the information.

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