Residential energy consumer behavior modification via gamification

Abstract

This paper aims to present an integrated platform to explore the role of society, culture, and behavior in energy efficiency uptake, and identify specific marketing techniques that may result in user behavior modification. We developed a consumer behavior modification framework which monitors consumer energy usage through the SDG&E Green Button API and make recommendations to the consumer. Behavior change is enforced through energy pricing and showing the impact of the individual consumer's CO2 emissions when using energy at peak hours versus at non-peak hours. The focus is to improve the homeowner's “know” and “care”, aiming to influence actions through transformation of moral in addition to monetary savings. Following an engineering and economics model the system provides the tools for research in social variability, as well as the social and cultural context that shapes our habits and practices in energy consumption.