Green Energy Transition: Supporting People in Reducing Electricity Use During Peak Hours

The green transition is designed as a comprehensive system-wide change involving contributions from all EU countries, different organizations, and experts from various fields. However, this significant transformation often overlooks the goals, wishes, and desires of individuals. Achieving ambitious goals comes with rising energy prices, making them less affordable and deepening economic problems, while causing general disappointment among people regarding the green transition.

In my master thesis, I focus on what happens over the next 5 to 10 years during the energy transition. During this time, the supply of green electricity will still be limited. Today, energy is produced when the sun is shining or when there is strong wind, rather than when it is needed most. When there is high demand for electricity during certain hours and a lack of green electricity, the prices get higher. My focus is on how people can take a more active role in reducing their electricity use during peak hours, when there is less green energy in the system.

To help with this, I have designed a tool, an electricity clock, which simplifies electricity pricing and offers practical tips for smarter energy use. This tool helps reduce electricity consumption during peak hours by setting delays, using timers, and efficiently programming devices.

Shifting electricity consumption from peak hours not only benefits the environment but also lowers individual energy costs. This connection between personal savings and environmental impact is a strong motivator for people to become active energy users.

In the future, smart home systems will automatically manage energy use, and users may not even notice when the shifts occur. However, to adopt these systems, people will need to understand and engage with the concept of being active energy users. By addressing current challenges, we can lay the groundwork for future energy services that are more adaptable and efficient.

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