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Better information to households can help mitigate energy poverty, MIT study shows
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Better information to households can help mitigate energy poverty, MIT study shows
MIT researchers found that energy coaching and better data helped households reduce energy bills by 53%, alleviating energy poverty, with lasting results achieved through coaching and smart devices.
Luca Papapietro
MIT researchers found that providing better data and energy coaching can help households reduce their energy consumption and alleviate energy poverty.
In Amsterdam, households cut their energy bills by 53%, dropping energy expenses from 10.1% to 5.3% of income. The study involved two groups: one received coaching and energy reports, while the other also used smart devices for real-time monitoring. The results showed significant reductions in electricity and gas usage.
While devices helped initially, lasting behaviour change was achieved through coaching.
The study highlights that structural changes, like energy-efficient buildings, are also key in addressing energy poverty.
