Abstract
Many countries have promoted energy efficiency and conservation in the residential sector due to its significant contribution to total demand. This paper discusses some of the wider implications of more efficient households on the overall energy system. Various efficiency options, such as thermal insulation or weather stripping, have unique effects on the power load demand throughout the day. The load-shifting potential of these measures is highly dependent on regional climate and residence characteristics. Moreover, the operational decisions made by the power sector to meet demand are contingent on the path by which load evolves during the day. Quantifying the intra-day effects of higher efficiency on total load is therefore useful in assessing the changes in equipment and fuel use decisions made by the utilities.
