Smart metering and demand response: analyzing the relationship with current electricity consumption in Korea

Abstract This study examines the effectiveness of smart meters in reducing residential electricity consumption, focusing on how smart meter feedback interacts with consumers’ usage patterns. While real-time feedback can help consumers make informed energy decisions, previous research shows its impact is often minimal. Our analysis of smart meter data from Korea reveals that the effect of demand response depends on baseline consumption. Households with lower usage increased consumption, while those with higher usage reduced it after receiving feedback. These findings suggest that smart meters’ effectiveness is influenced by the gap between actual and optimal consumption. This study contributes to understanding mixed research outcomes and emphasizes the importance of consumer behavior in designing effective energy-saving strategies.