Despite widespread awareness of climate change and sustainability, many homeowners are still not leveraging advanced technology to reduce energy costs and emissions, with a significant gap between intention and action

A new report from Schneider Electric reveals that, although 70 per cent of homeowners recognise the importance of reducing their carbon footprint, many are still opting for minimal, low-impact solutions. The third edition of the company’s global consumer survey, Evolving Home Energy Consumption: Intentions, Actions and Hurdles to Greater Home Energy Efficiency, uncovers the gap between awareness and actual action when it comes to household energy efficiency.

The survey, which included 13,000 respondents from 11 countries, including 1,000 from India, highlighted the growing recognition of the need for energy efficiency. Despite 82  per cent of respondents acknowledging its importance and 7 per cent prioritizing the reduction of their carbon footprint, many homeowners still rely on ineffective energy-saving strategies. A significant 58 per cent rely on turning off lights—an action that accounts for only 5 per cent of their energy bills—while 48 per cent unplug unused chargers, saving just a fraction of costs annually. On the other hand, only 44 per cent of homeowners adjust their ambient temperature, a measure that could significantly reduce household energy consumption.

The survey also highlighted the underutilization of energy-saving technologies. Although 52 per cent of consumers believe that smart lighting enhances energy efficiency, only 24 per cent own smart lighting devices. Even fewer, 21 per cent own a smart thermostat, despite evidence showing these devices can lower energy bills by up to 30 per cent annually.

Additionally, the study revealed skepticism around the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in energy management. While AI is expected to help mitigate up to 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, 44 per cent of respondents said they would never trust AI for household tasks, and 35 per cent admitted not fully understanding the technology.

The report also pointed to a concerning lack of knowledge about basic home electrical systems, with 30 per cent of homeowners unaware of the function of their electrical panel, a critical component of home energy systems.

Schneider Electric’s Vice President for Retail in India, Sumati Sahgal, emphasized the importance of bridging this awareness-action gap. “While many consumers understand the importance of energy efficiency, the most impactful solutions remain underutilized. As India transitions to a more sustainable future, empowering homeowners with knowledge and accessible technology is crucial,” she stated.

Schneider Electric aims to address this gap by offering innovative solutions like Wiser, a connected home platform designed to improve energy management and enhance comfort and convenience.