On a global basis, the residential sector consumes one fifth of the world’s energy (International Energy Agency 2018: 2) and has a large untapped potential to benefit from the multiple positive economic and social impacts of energy efficiency. These benefits include increased disposable income, poverty alleviation, improved health & well-being, improved energy security and macro-economic benefits (IEA 2015: 31–37). Improved energy efficiency means that less energy is used while maintaining the same level of service, or increasing service levels while maintaining energy use. In the residential context this is achieved by utilizing more efficient appliances and by utilizing appliances more efficiently, meaning that efficiency improvements may be affected both by investments in technical interventions and by changes in behaviour.
The Residential Energy Consumption project is focused around the collection of residential energy consumption data. This data is based upon the types of electrical appliances and their end-use by individuals within the different Living Standard Measure (LSM) across South Africa. The appliance end-use data utilised within the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP) model for analysis, enabling policy makers with a better understanding and visibility of residential energy side. Furthermore, this project supports aspects of the review of the National Energy Efficiency Strategy (NEES) targets, together with the National Standards & Labelling Programme (S&L) impact assessment.