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Designing effective demand response

A review of behavioral insights, consumer engagement, and operational strategies in energy systems

Bibliographic Data

ID13064157
AuthorsDuc Vu (0000-0002-2657-0445, National Economics University), Duc D Vu, Akhtar Hussain (0000-0003-4870-3365, Université Laval), Duy Linh Vu (0000-0003-1885-7427, National Economics University), Duc-Minh Vu, Xiao Zhang (0000-0002-0342-3282, Richard Wolf (Germany)), Van-Hai Bui (0000-0001-7092-280X), Van‐Hai Bui (0009-0002-4565-4780, University of Michigan–Dearborn, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume131
Pages104474-104474
Publication date2025-12-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEnergy Research & Social Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2214-6296 • E-ISSN: 2214-6326
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.erss.2025.104474
OpenAlexW4416966289
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited144

Demand response (DR) programs help electricity systems balance supply and demand by encouraging consumers to adjust their usage in response to price signals or incentives. As population growth, urbanization, and the electrification of transportation and industry continue to increase energy needs, flexible and effective DR programs have become increasingly important. However, consumer participation remains difficult to secure because individuals are influenced by a range of cognitive factors that shape how they perceive and respond to DR incentives. In this paper, we identify five broad categories of cognitive influences that systematically affect consumer decision-making in DR settings. For each category, we provide representative examples from DR programs and review the relevant literature. We then develop a conceptual framework linking consumer engagement, cognitive influences, and socioeconomic factors, and propose unified strategies for integrating behavioral interventions at each stage of the DR engagement process. These strategies aim not only to strengthen consumer participation but also to enhance the overall effectiveness of DR programs. By deepening our understanding of how behavioral factors shape consumer responses, this review offers actionable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers seeking to design DR interventions that improve energy system performance while promoting efficiency and sustainable consumption habits

Cognition · Consumer behaviour · Consumer demand · Consumption (sociology · Demand response · Electrification · Mains electricity · Population · Psychological intervention · Supply and demand · Environmental Education and Sustainability · Smart Grid Energy Management · Sustainability and Climate Change Governance

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Unique citing works1
Citations per year1
Citation span2026 - 2026 (1)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo

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