# Users Empowered in Smart Grid Development? Assumptions and Up-To-Date Knowledge
## 3 Results
### Demand Shifting
The load control tariff gave residents a better sense of control over comfort, timing of activities, and spending as well as ease of use. The majority of respondents were inclined to accept direct load control if they would have the option to override it. Another study on actual projects showed similar results. The households involved did not mind having their heating devices (heat pumps and electric heating) remotely controlled, but they did not appreciate automatic charging of electric vehicles and automated control of other devices, such as freezers, fridges, and pumps [8]. Interestingly, even in the case of full automation, residents may show active engagement, for instance, by connecting extra devices to the system [8]. In general, however, active engagement by members of households is expected to involve only the anticipated responses to informational and financial incentives. (2) Flexible network tariffs are based on the assumption that energy consumption is financially motivated. In an important study based on a meta-review of literature and an empirical validation in 32 European projects with user engagement, the following was concluded [16]:  
* Time of use tariffs have more potential than dynamic tariffs (real-time [ricing], while the latter is more relevant in the case of local energy production. * should be simple to understand for the end users,
- should have timely notifications of price changes, and
- should have a considerable effect on their energy bill. If the tariff is more complex, the burden for the consumer could be eased by introducing automated control. Whether dynamic tariffs will be accepted is most likely dependent on whether users consider them to be fair. A recent study [19] found that transport or capacity charges are considered fairer than peak pricing and much more than a flat rate. What is considered fair depends on noneconomic justification, guarantee that basic needs will be fulfilled, predictability, and being sure that peak use is not only affordable for rich people. Several studies indicated that there is seldom a linear relationship between financial incentives and energy consumption. This is explained by the intermediating role of domestic practices, as mentioned above. It also relates to the fact that considerations other than financial ones influence energy consumption. Saving energy, an interest in new techniques, and a green image are among the other reasons for becoming flexible [5; 19]. If households are primarily motivated by a desire to become self-sufficient and autonomous, this could even create a tension with demand-side flexibility schemes, which tend to create new types of grid dependency (whether it be flexibility contracts, automated demand response, or market-based dynamic energy pricing incentives). In such cases, users may prefer to stick to established forms of \"green engagement\" with energy, such as green energy contracts and applying energy-efficient light bulbs [14]. (3) A recent study confirmed findings from earlier studies regarding the effectiveness of feedback provided [8]. Simple information and visualization methods, such as a light signal (green/red) and emails or text messages that integrate information about demand and its relationship with supply, tend to have a positive influence (see also [3]). Users evaluate them positively, understand the information, and tend to change their consumption patterns based on the input. More complex interfaces provided ambiguous results. Web-based tools were used by less people: approximately 25% in 11 Danish experiments [8]. Moreover, the satisfaction with the applicability of websites and advanced in-home boxes varied. [PERSON] [20] showed that if people are willing to visit a portal, more advanced information per appliance could slightly increase the effectiveness in flexibility. It tends to be forgotten, however, that people's awareness of patterns of energy consumption is not only provided by direct, individual feedback.