Impact of Space Heating Technologies on the Electricity Demand in Norwegian Detached Houses

Understanding the behaviour and characteristics of electricity demand in buildings is essential for effective electricity grid planning and development. In Norway, a country with widespread electric heating systems, buildings accounted for 56% of the country’s final electricity consumption in 2023. Moreover, peak demand across the building stock can coincide, placing significant stress on the grid during cold periods. This article provides insights into electricity demand profiles and peak loads in Norwegian households, focusing on how heating technology choices impact electricity use in detached houses. The analysis is based on electricity demand measurements and survey responses from 675 houses across various locations in Norway. In most locations, houses with air-to-air heat pumps (A2A) show an average area-specific electricity demand during winter that is 4-21% lower, along with a 10% to 12% reduction in peak load, compared to houses with electric heaters (EH). Furthermore, houses with EH have more than three times the electricity demand of those with district heating during winter. Further research, based on a larger database and covering periods with colder outdoor temperatures, would be beneficial.