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Title: Effects of self-monitoring and feedback on residential electricity consumption

Journal Article · · J. Appl. Behav. Anal.; (United States)

Although prior research indicates that frequent feedback could reduce residential electricity consumption as much as 15%, the procedure of written feedback may not be practical. The authors evaluated a more practical approach during peak-use periods with high electricity consuming households in which 16 households were taught to read their outdoor meter and record their usage each day. Twelve households received daily written feedback. The feedback group reduced usage by 13%; the self-monitoring group by 7% in comparison with a control group. The reductions continued through the winter and into the spring months, with lowered thermostats the principal factor. The authors explore ways to make self-monitoring more cost effective and to combine behavior procedures with physical technology. 20 references, 1 figure, 2 tables.

Research Organization:
Institute for Behavioral Research, Inc., Silver Spring, MD
OSTI ID:
6450881
Journal Information:
J. Appl. Behav. Anal.; (United States), Vol. 12:2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English