Examining the Impact of COVID-19 in Indonesia through Household Electricity Consumption and Modern Lifestyle

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic had a noticeable effect on household energy consumption. In addition, modern architecture has driven growth in Indonesia's property sector in recent years and is one of the biggest energy consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic along with modern lifestyles like using advanced residential appliances have contributed to increased energy consumption in Indonesia. Homeowners do notice an impact on their electricity usage from a large-scale social restriction policy (PSBB). Predicting appliance future utilization and optimizing space are key to the energy management of residential buildings. Data collected from 150 households in Sumatra and Java Island, Indonesia, were used to compare three different house designs. The purpose of this study is to determine whether household lifestyle influences residential energy consumption. According to the analysis, household electricity consumption increased by around 11% between 2020 and 2019. eQUEST simulation analysis reveals that roof design has a small impact on reducing energy consumption. In three urban centers in Indonesia: Batam, Semarang, and Jakarta, it did not show a significant reduction in electricity consumption. The largest contributor to energy consumption patterns is household habits. The use of miscellaneous equipment (laptop, handphone, water pump, washing machine) and the use of air conditioners have significant effects on energy choice behavior, emphasizing the importance of building planning. Changing electricity usage behavior and water-saving management can lead to achieving energy efficiency targets in residential buildings.