Appliances are getting smarter but they may now be too smart for uncomplicated humans to use, a new report on energy-saving devices suggests.
Forty-six households were given smart devices to control electrical equipment from their phones. Smart lightbulbs connect lighting to home Wi-Fi so consumers can turn lights off or down from their phone. Smart plugs can operate appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, heaters and televisions over Wi-Fi from anywhere in the world, as long as your internet connection is reliable and the app on your phone always works.
![Smart technology can enable households to remotely operate lights, heating, cooling and other appliances.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170823100631im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/3/c/d/3/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gxzvj7.png/1503119387516.jpg)
But instead of using the technology to reduce energy consumption and save on electricity bills, researchers from RMIT's Centre for Urban Research found the devices were often too complicated to install or could actually encourage increased consumption.
Dean, a tech enthusiast from the study, said "[the sun on the front window] heats up the whole house very quickly so I'd definitely be switching the air con on an hour before I get home."
Only a quarter of households in the study installed and used the devices successfully. 26 per cent didn't try the devices at all, and a further 24 per cent attempted to install at least one but were unsuccessful. The remaining 24 per cent managed the installation but abandoned using the devices because they found them inconvenient or not useful.
Simon, who installed the smart lightbulbs said, "it was almost more of a hassle to control it remotely than just walk over and switch it on and off".
Most of the participants who managed to install the devices experienced some complications with the set up and few had a clear understanding of off-peak tariffs.
Of the households who did install and use the devices, some ended up increasing their energy consumption. The main reason for this was lifestyle improvements, like switching appliances on before they got home, or turning lights and televisions on while they were away in the hope of deterring burglars.
Low income households in the study were motivated by the potential to reduce energy costs, but were less likely to have the high-end smart phones and reliable, unlimited internet access necessary for the technology. They were also more likely to be renting, which meant the cost of the devices and time on installation was perceived as less useful.
Tech savvy men were the most likely to install and use the devices successfully. Older people and families with children were more likely to find them confusing or inconvenient.
The study recommended further development of smart devices to improve their compatibility with lifestyle factors and the need to reduce consumption.
Heat waves can increase electricity consumption by up to 46 per cent as households and businesses ratchet up air conditioning. Demand response management is an important step towards ensuring reliable energy supply.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) recently announced a demand response program to manage electricity supply during extreme peaks. Consumers will be offered incentives to be on standby to reduce consumption on intense peak periods. They can allow retailers to remotely switch off non-essential equipment, or receive a message asking them to reduce energy use. Users who comply will be compensated by ARENA and AEMO.
The program will overcome many of the issues experienced by households in the RMIT study. Rather than putting responsibility for managing demand on consumers, control is in the hands of market operators.
While demand response will be important in managing a reliable supply, it is only one of a range of options that will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and ensure a reliable energy supply.
Large scale generation and storage will combine with small scale technology like photovoltaic panels, home batteries and smart appliances. New technologies are constantly entering the market, and existing tools are becoming more affordable and user friendly.
The future is an integrated mix of the old, the new and the yet to be discovered.