A Case Study on the Characteristics of Electricity Consumption in Elderly Households for Customized Energy Management in a Super-Aged Society

Purpose: This study aims to identify the energy consumption characteristics of elderly households in Korea, which has entered a super-aged society, and to compare them with those of general households. The objective is to derive implications for tailored energy management strategies by examining differences in total energy use, energy intensity, and daily electric load patterns. Method: Using 2020–2022 Household Energy Panel Survey micro data, households using natural gas for heating were analyzed by income, household size, and floor area. Additionally, one household in their 40s and one aged 60s and older were monitored for three weeks to measure plug loads, lighting, and air conditioner use(including standby power), along with appliance ownership and daily load patterns. Result: Elderly households consumed 6–12% less total energy than the average, with electricity use focused on essential appliances and stable per-unit-area consumption regardless of income. Unlike the 40s household, which showed a distinct evening peak, elderly households maintained steady daily loads with minimal weekday–weekend variation. These findings suggest focusing on appliance efficiency and standby power reduction for elderly households, while managing peak demand for middle-aged households.