DEHEMS: creating a digital environment for large-scale energy management at homes

Located at the consumer-end of the Smart Grid, domestic energy monitoring and management systems aim to provide direct energy feedback whilst (or shortly after) consumption occurs, so as to persuade users to achieve energy saving and efficiency. However, existing solutions are challenged by the lack of large-scale practice and study on user behaviours and preferences. In this paper, we present a domestic energy management system (DEHEMS), which deploys electricity and gas monitoring in European-wide homes. The system has been developed in three cycles in order for households to participate and contribute. Results based on both qualitative and quantitative data analysis show that less energy has been consumed using the system. Additionally, positive behavioural changes have been achieved among households.