Flexibility potential at Norwegian households - customer evaluations and system benefits

The peak load in electricity consumption is increasing among household customers, resulting in reduced utilization time of the distribution grid. Demand side flexibility can be a cost-efficient alternative to grid investments, but to achieve customers' involvement, knowledge about their willingness to change how they use electricity is important. Two surveys have been performed (in 2017 and 2020) to map the potential for flexible demand among Norwegian household customers. The surveys show that independent of cost savings, 61% are willing to accept remote load control of their electric water heater, as long as this do not affect their comfort (not cold water), and 7 out of 10 are willing to manually shift electrical appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, clothes dryers,…) in a period with limited grid capacity. 56-63% will accept remote load control and 63-64% will contribute with manual response if they save 200 Euros/year.

Index Terms: Demand Response, Electricity Energy Efficiency,
Flexibility, Households