# Comparative Study on Load Monitoring Approaches
## 1 Introduction  
The ever increasing demand for electricity in the residential sector is a global concern, the causes of which are known to some and remain unknown to others. In addition to climate change, the technological revolution had a strong and direct impact on improving the comfort of building occupants. This is observed in households through the proliferation of household appliances and connected devices, which contribute strongly to the increase in electricity bills. To address this concern, which is growing over the years in this sector, many levers have been identified, including the reduction of electricity consumption, so that it can be used to control the energy demand of this sector. In developed countries, residential loads represent 40% of the total electricity demand [1]. In the United States, residential electricity consumption accounted for about/approximately 21.09% in 2017 and 22.56% in 2018 of the total energy consumption [2]. In China, the average annual household electricity consumption increased from 481 to 10,058 (100 million kWh) between 1990 and 2018 [3]. In Africa, the electrical energy consumed in the residential sector was estimated at 56% [4]. Considering the current climate context and energy issues, as well as the significant amount of energy consumed in the sector and the increases recorded, the control of consumption flows by limiting overconsumption and waste seems appropriate. Among the solutions developed is load monitoring, where the aim is to control the electrical energy consumption of loads, providing consumers with information about the energy theyconsume [5]. In addition to the previous objective, load monitoring facilitates energy conservation by considering energy efficiency measures, such as using fewer energy consuming devices, eliminating unwanted activities, as well as setting an appropriate schedule for the use of electrical devices, among others. Previous studies have shown that a detailed consumption feedback on electrical loads can help consumers achieve energy savings of more than 12% [6; 7]. Based on this finding, load monitoring is therefore a serious tool that can significantly contribute to both the reduction of energy waste and of electricity bills among consumers, as well as the improvement of energy efficiency in residential settings. Therefore, the implementation of load-following programs can be beneficial to both the environment and consumers' finances. For consumers, monitoring and automating electrical energy in the home provides incentives to use electricity efficiently. This gives them a way to monitor and control their electricity consumption and, in turn, provides detailed knowledge and information about the rate of consumption through easy and quick access [8; 9]. For electricity providers and utilities, it is important to improve the accuracy of load forecasts, which provide a useful basis for energy management strategies [10]. Depending on a country's level of industrialization, electricity consumed in residential settings can account for a very large percentage of the energy produced. Research has shown that up to one-third of electricity consumption in this context is wasted due to the unconscious use of various appliances and poor electricity management [11]. Therefore, in order to avoid crises related to uncontrolled management of energy needs, it has become essential to develop measures for effective monitoring and management of these needs [12; 13]. Load monitoring is one of the ways to effectively manage electricity consumption in households, as it can result in significant energy savings. These energy savings, cumulated on a large scale, contribute significantly to the reduction of the energy deficit in many countries. In addition to being a tool with great potential for controlling household electricity consumption, load control also has a positive impact on the environment, in particular, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.