Household activities underlying residential electricity demand

A time-of-use analysis of household activities focusing on the evening peak period

Behavioural Insights for Policy series: Primary research

Year: 2025

Topic: Smart energy and demand flexibility

Methodology: Survey

Author: SEAI Behavioural Economics Unit
 

Summary

Peaks in electricity demand put strain on the grid and lessen the integration of renewables sources. Peaks are typically most notable in the evening, driven largely by residential activity. Reducing household activities during this period can thus increase the proportion of electricity generated using renewable sources.

This study uses data from Ireland’s Behavioural Energy and Travel Tracker to record the time of day at which a range of electricity-consuming activities take place in a nationally representative sample of households. Focusing on the period between 4 and 7 pm, we then investigate sociodemographic, household, and psychological variables associated with timing activities during this period rather than other times of day. 

Results show that factors associated with time of use vary by activity. We discuss the implications of our findings and note their value for demand side management mechanisms. The report was published as an academic journal article and is freely available.