Result description
The Virtual Energy Advisor combines a user-friendly front-end visualisation with an intelligent back-end algorithm that uses data from electrical digital sub-metering equipment and other sources to share information about a household’s electricity use. The front end can be viewed on multiple devices and it encourages behavioural change (and empowerment) among tenants.
Barcelona Municipality launched a campaign to encourage citizens to decrease their electricity consumption at home by providing the free electricity consumption visualization platform ‘Virtual Energy Advisor’. The tool, provided to 450 citizens, is managed by a web platform and a mobile app. The tool demonstrated several smart ways to inform and advice tenants on how to optimize their energy behaviour and reduce their energy bill.
On top of visualising the energy consumption, tips and advice on how to reduce electricity consumption, a virtual community to and comparison with earlier years, was all included in the app.
The main barrier encountered during implementation of this measure was data confidentiality constraints related to evaluating the individual dwellings electricity consumption data. An agreement was signed with the users but massive data treatment by third-parties was still restricted. The discussion around data privacy should have been included in the process from the very beginning.
The impact of the platform on household electrical consumption has shown an average 15% reduction, which is 5 percentage points more than expected. However, it should be considered that the first campaign normally captures “early adopters” (citizens with an interest in energy efficiency), thus the impact of a massive upscaling could be lower.
Upscaling & replication potential
With this tool, the municipality is also able to gather detailed information on the residential electricity consumption profiles of the city based on district, building typology, etc. This feature can be the reason for Municipalities to upscale and replicate the measure, as they can use the information to foster suitable energy policies.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- We are sharing our knowledge
- Others/ No specific audience
- Other Actors who can help us fulfil our market potential
Result submitted to Horizon Results Platform by FUNDACIO INSTITUT DE RECERCA DE L’ENERGIA DE CATALUNYA
