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Demystifying Residential Miscellaneous Usage

April 15, 2021

In the residential Statistically Adjusted End-Use (SAE) model framework, the miscellaneous end-use is the single largest long-term driver of residential average electricity usage. Depending on the part of the country, it accounts for 20-30% of residential usage. Compounding its significance, miscellaneous is also the only end use showing significant growth. The graph below shows U.S. miscellaneous average use per household.

So, what is included in miscellaneous?  To begin with, the miscellaneous end use consists of a set of specific end uses that include:

  • Rechargeable equipment
  • Ceiling fans
  • Coffee makers
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Microwave ovens
  • Pool heaters
  • Security systems
  • Spas
  • Wine coolers
  • PC and their peripherals

In addition to the above, a major component of the miscellaneous is what we call Electric Other (Other). The graph below compares the above list of specifically identified end-uses (Specific) and Other.

Other is by far the largest part of miscellaneous electric use and contributes virtually all the growth in residential use per customer.

Household items that are included in Other are things like aquariums, electric toothbrushes, electric can openers, heated driveways and anything else you can think of that does not fall into the specific category. It is effectively the residual: Other = total residential usage – identified end-uses.

There is no denying miscellaneous other use exists, but is it having too much impact on residential average use forecast? Do we need it in our forecast, or can we make do without it?

During the fifth presentation of the upcoming 2021 Energy Forecasting Virtual Meetings on April 21-23, there will be a discussion on the latest updates to the Statistically Adjusted End-Use (SAE) model framework and the miscellaneous end-use category.

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