Schneider Electric Report Highlights Consumer Energy Efficiency Challenges

Schneider Electric

A recent Schneider Electric survey sheds light on the disconnect between consumers’ sustainability goals and their actual energy-saving practices.

While a significant majority—70%—recognizes the importance of reducing their carbon footprint, most homeowners still rely on ineffective methods, such as switching off lights (58%) or unplugging chargers (48%), despite their minimal impact on total energy costs.

In contrast, only 44% adjust their home temperatures, even though heating and cooling account for over 50% of a household’s energy consumption.

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, published these findings in the latest edition of its consumer survey, detailed in the white paper Evolving Home Energy Consumption: Intentions, Actions, and Hurdles to Greater Home Energy Efficiency.

The report, based on responses from 13,000 consumers across 11 countries, explores global attitudes toward home energy efficiency, sustainability, and smart technology adoption.

A Gap Between Awareness and Implementation

As energy consumption continues to rise alongside increasing costs and climate-related concerns, the survey highlights a clear gap between consumer awareness and action. Notably:

  • 82% of respondents rate energy efficiency as at least “somewhat important.”
  • 84% consider it a priority for home improvements.
  • 70% say reducing their carbon footprint is personally important.

Despite this, many homeowners fail to take high-impact steps to reduce energy use. Instead of optimizing heating and cooling, most prioritize switching off lights, which contribute only 5% of an average household’s electricity bill.

Smart Home Tech: Underutilized Potential

The report also reveals widespread misconceptions about smart home technology. While 52% of consumers believe smart lighting boosts energy efficiency, just 24% have adopted it. Even fewer—21%—own smart thermostats, despite their potential to reduce energy bills by up to 30%.

Additionally, this year’s survey examined perspectives on artificial intelligence (AI) in home energy management. While AI-driven solutions could potentially cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 10%, many consumers remain skeptical:

  • 44% say they would never rely on AI for household tasks.
  • 35% don’t fully understand AI’s role in energy management.
  • 41% prefer to avoid AI entirely.

The report also exposes a significant knowledge gap regarding essential home energy systems. Approximately 30% of respondents don’t understand their home’s electrical panel, and 16% are unaware of its location. Given that the panel plays a crucial role in managing household power safely, this lack of awareness poses potential safety risks as homes become increasingly electrified.

According to Michael Lotfy Gierges, Executive Vice President of Home & Distribution at Schneider Electric, homeowners need more education on high-impact energy solutions. “Consumers aim to lower their energy bills, improve reliability, and enhance efficiency, yet a disconnect remains between awareness and meaningful action. The technology is available today, but knowledge of its most effective applications is lacking,” he explained.

By embracing greater digitalization and electrification, households can optimize energy use, reduce costs, and transition toward more sustainable sources.

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