Psychological interventions reduce electricity use in Stockholm student homes
A study led by Dr Yavor Paunov found that comparing consumption with peers and giving appliance tips cut winter energy use among 140 households in Stockholm.
Two methods curb winter power
Researchers tested two approaches over a 24-week period involving student residences. The nudge group received weekly feedback comparing their usage to others while the boost group got specific appliance tips. Both strategies successfully stopped the usual seasonal rise in electricity demand during winter months. Combined efforts saved seven megawatt-hours of power for the entire study duration.
High users saw biggest drops
The greatest savings occurred among individuals with high initial electricity consumption levels. Participants receiving appliance tips reduced usage by 3.97 kilowatt-hours per week compared to controls. Those receiving comparison feedback achieved a reduction of 3.12 kilowatt-hours per week in the same timeframe. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the effectiveness of these two distinct psychological approaches.
Study limits and publication
Dr Paunov collected data while working at KTH Royal Institute of Technology before writing the paper at University of Mannheim. The research team notes results cannot generalize beyond student residence halls located in close proximity to one another. Participants might have discussed interventions with neighbors which could have reduced differences between intervention groups. The full study appears in Scientific Reports under DOI 10.1038/s41598-026-69386-6.
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