Analysis of the Hungarian residential energy consumption and influence of end-user behaviour on energy consumption patterns

The Hungarian residential sector is the largest energy consumer in the country and is responsible for more than a half of heat and a third of electricity consumption (EIA 2008). For this reason, the residential sector could be a significant contributor to energy saving targets in Hungary. For evidence-based design of energy efficiency policies, it is important to understand the reasons behind the dynamics of the residential energy consumption and its structure. According to the authors’ investigation, there has been no in-depth research aimed at obtaining high-quality data on electricity consumption and behavioural patterns in the residential sector in Hungary.To address this gap in knowledge, a research team at the Central European University (CEU) analyzed energy consumption in 100 households in Hungary in the framework of the European project called REMODECE (Residential Monitoring to Decrease Energy Use and Carbon Emissions in Europe). The methods used by CEU included an analysis of energy bills and a minimum of 2-weeks on-site measurements of lighting, major electrical appliances such as information and communication technology (ICT) equipment, kitchen appliances, audio-video appliances, space and water heating. In addition, a survey of 500 households was conducted to trace the energy consumption habits of Hungarian households. The paper details the results of the project implementation in Hungary. It investigates the present status of energy consumption and its composition in the set of studied households. It also identifies the opportunities for potential technical and behavioural energy savings and the reasons why they are neglected by household dwellers. The results of the project indicate significant energy saving potential in the Hungarian household sector. The main findings concern environmentally negative and positive trends in new appliance ownership, with on one hand an increase in ownership levels (particularly of less traditional appliances such as dishwashers and tumble dryers) and on the other an apparent improvement in the energy efficiency of the new stock. Although, nowadays, households buy more efficient electronic equipment, including liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors as well as florescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), they are also characterized by the increased energy consumption due to the higher ownership rate of ICT equipment and different kinds of entertainment appliances, as well as additional comfort elements, such as air conditioners. These findings are consistent with the rise in the standard of living apparent in the new EU member states such as Hungary.