Project Overview

Peak electricity demands are expected to increase with rising temperatures and the increased electrification of transportation and heating. The National Energy Board projects that up to 64% of new vehicles in Canada will be electric vehicles (EVs) by 2040. These ongoing disruptive changes have increased the value of flexible demand and automation devices targeted at reducing peaks in electricity demand, especially during periods in which renewable output is low.

Our project, in collaboration with an industry partner, will design a first-of-its-kind randomized control trial to evaluate methods to reduce peak electric demand. Our analysis aims to evaluate whether price or automation treatments are more effective at motivating consumers to adjust their demand and/or the timing of EV charging.  The project will consist of rolling out notifications, financial incentives, and/or energy management control devices for over 1000 residential households.