The rapid global shift towards sustainable energy solutions has highlighted the crucial role of smart meters in effectively managing energy consumption. This study employs the “Theory of Planned Behaviour” to analyse the impact of attitude, socio-economic advantage, environmental benefit, and subjective norm on the intention to continue the use of smart meters, with a particular focus on the role of data privacy concerns. The study utilizes structural equation modelling to analyse the data collected from a randomly selected sample of 405 smart meter customers. The results demonstrate the strong effect of socio-economic advantage on the willingness to continue use, with a significant effect for environmental benefit and policy support. In addition, the study finds data privacy concerns to be a critical barrier to the continuing use of meters, significantly reducing their willingness to use them, even when they express a strong desire. Based on the findings, several policy implications for strengthening continued usage of smart meters among existing users. Further policies propose standardised installation training, consumer engagement through smart apps, digital billing and ease-of-
access, and comprehensive data protection measures. The study puts forward a comprehensive roadmap for higher penetration of smart meters by 2040.
Tag: Policy
Consumers or prosumers, customers or competitors? – Some Australian perspectives on possible energy users of the future
Governance arrangements for electricity industries commonly claim the interests of consumers as their paramount objective. This would suggest a key decision making role for energy users, in all their diversity. However, the industry’s critical role in societal, welfare, large environmental impacts, and the challenges of ensuring it’s secure and reliable operation, all represent key shared…
The Roles of Government and the Public Utility in Achieving Universal Access to Electricity
Although Mozambique is blessed with abundant fossil fuel and renewable energy resources, achieving the national goal of universal access to electricity by 2030 is a formidable task. This paper describes the current energy sector landscape in the developing nation of Mozambique and provides an on-the-ground account of the conceptual framework guiding the public utility in…
The Oil Market to 2030–Implications for Investment and Policy
Oil is (an important) part of a larger global energy market, which is expected to see continued consumption growth (largely in emerging markets) and a continued shift toward natural gas and renewable forms of energy. While oil continues to lose market share, overall consumption and production are likely to continue growing— though more slowly than…