This paper considers the design of energy consumption displays from a theoretical standpoint in relation to user-appliance interactions in the home. It presents the main options for display position and discusses what detailed information to display in order to promote energy saving. To guide the designer in making decisions regarding the merits of displaying appliance-specific information (ASI) and grouped appliance information (GAI) around the home, classifications are presented of appliance-associated microbehaviours and appliance control to end-use relationships. A hybrid display approach is suggested as a most effective solution. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.