Challenges in evaluating intervention effects of feedback on residential energy conservation in a field setting

Abstract

A field intervention investigated the effect of feedback on residential electricity use in households in Sweden. For a period of eight weeks differentiated energy use for daily domestic behaviors was monitored by 15 residents via an internetbased system. Feedback designed based on Relational Frame Theory was convened to enhance motivation for energy conservation and follow-up studies analysed the maintenance of change for another 3 months. Psychological factors including values, attitudes, moral judgment competence, locus of control and sense of coherence were assessed by web surveys. No significant effects of the feedback on reduction of energy use were found. The small sample size and not monitoring warm water energy use were discussed as explanatory factors.