Smart meters are going in and smart grids are receiving government funding. But will consumers change their habits in the battle for energy efficiency? The latest evidence indicates that Dutch consumers need some convincing.

The new energy era will be enabled by intelligent grids and connected meters, as well as new sources of renewable energy. But at the heart of this revolution will be a new dynamic relationship between households and electricity providers. And a transformation in consumption habits can only be achieved if this relationship works.

Central to the task is persuading consumers to reduce their electricity demand, in particular, at peak times. Electricity management plans will play a crucial role in allowing utilities to help consumers modify their habits. For some, this means agreeing limits on the use of certain household appliances. A consumer may agree to restrict their dishwasher use to the early hours of the morning, for instance.

But only 11 percent of Dutch households would enroll on electricity management plans where utilities had such control of their appliances, according to research carried out by Accenture. When no such limits are introduced, a more significant 39% of households in the Netherlands would sign up.