Summary:
Electricity end users can contribute to the secure operation of the future power system by aligning their electricity consumption with the overall system's needs. To facilitate this, end users should receive economic signals that are economically optimal and behaviourally salient to guide their decisions. In fact, end users may not respond to economic signals solely based on economic evaluations. We propose a conceptual framework that describes ways in which key stakeholders can influence end-user behaviour in demand response programmes. We do this in two steps. First, we identify key stakeholders by examining demand response contracts. Second, we categorise literature on end-user behaviour in electricity demand response through the established Capability, Opportunity, Motivation – Behaviour (COM-B) model. We extend this model by integrating behaviourally informed tools that stakeholders can employ to facilitate end-user participation in demand response programmes. Our setup enables policymakers to better understand key behavioural determinants, allowing them to design behaviourally informed energy policies for demand response.
Spanish layman's summary:
La flexibilidad de la demanda no depende solo del precio: el comportamiento y el contexto importan. Las políticas energéticas y contratos deben tenerlos en cuenta. Nuestro marco ayuda a identificar factores de comportamiento y actores clave para diseñar mejores programas de flexibilidad de la demanda.
English layman's summary:
End users do not join demand response (DR) programmes based only on price: behaviour and context matter. Policies and contracts must reflect these factors. Our framework helps identify which behavioural drivers and stakeholders shape responses, supporting better DR design.
Keywords: Demand response; End-user behaviour; Demand response contracts; COM-B model
JCR-JIF Impact Factor and WoS quartile: 4,900 - Q2 (2025)
DOI reference:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jup.2025.102087
Published on paper: February 2026.
Published on-line: November 2025.
Citation:
D. Stampatori, S. Banerjee, J.P. Chaves, "Shaping electricity end-user behaviour for demand response using the COM-B model", Utilities Policy, Vol. 98, pp. 102087, February 2026. [Online: November 2025] doi: 10.1016/j.jup.2025.102087
