Electricity savings in Swiss households - Techno-economic analysis of electricity saving measures

Abstract

Energy efficiency (EE) measures currently have the largest potential to reduce CO2 emissions. Switzerland is therefore focusing on the implementation of these measures in order to prepare for the phase-out of nuclear energy and to reach the 2000 Watts society by 2050. The aim of this research was to determine the potential of EE measures for lighting and cold appliances in Swiss households. In order to do so, savings and associated costs of several measures were researched. Data was used from an EE program in Geneva that targets low-income households. In these households incandescent and halogen light bulbs were replaced by either CFL or LED bulbs. In addition, households with a cold appliance older than two years, received a discount voucher to buy a more efficient appliance (A++ or A+++). In total 1918 households were evaluated. Based on yearly meter readings, savings were determined after implementation of the EE measures by developing a bottom-up model. For lighting the estimated savings are 121±663 kWh/year/household and for cold appliances 338±805 kWh/year. As reflected by the high standard deviation, the savings are very uncertain. In combination with associated costs for appliances and the program, the specific costs (CHF/GJ saved) for the measures were calculated for two perspectives: the societal and household perspective. The societal perspective includes the material costs and program costs of the EE program. The program received discount on the appliances. For the household perspective it was assumed that the savings are the same as obtained in the EE program, but households need to buy the appliances themselves at market price. For lighting the household perspective appeared to be more costs effective, while for cold appliances the societal perspective was more beneficial due to the large discount that was received on cold appliances by the EE program. Furthermore, stock models were developed for lighting and cold appliances to analyse the development of different types of appliances without implantation of EE measures. Finally, the national energy savings were determined by scaling up the savings that were obtained in the EE program. Approximately 1.97 TWh/year (which is 9.9% of the electricity consumption in 2013) can be saved when implementing EE measurers for both lighting and cold appliances on a national scale.