Evaluating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on electricity consumption patterns in the residential, public and commercial sector in Sweden

Tidsperiod:

1 januari 2022 – 31 december 2023

Finansiär:

Statens energimyndighet

Bidragstyp:

Projektbidrag

Budget:

1 387 970 SEK

The COVID-19 pandemic has had drastic effects on the way we live. Due to restrictions and recommendations, many people changed their habits. With the sudden shift to the home office, it is likely that a shift in electricity consumption also takes place between the residential, public and commercial sectors. Meanwhile, daily electricity consumption patterns of residents may change when people become more flexible in their daily routines. Understanding these changes is crucial, as they affect the load on the electricity network as well as the requirements of buildings for a sustainable energy transition. In this study, we quantify the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has led to shifts in the electricity consumption patterns in the different sectors in Sweden. Secondly, we conduct a survey to understand reasons behind these changes, as well as future perspectives based on the intentions of residents, companies and governmental authorities for a post-pandemic era.