Exploring the acceptance of a domestic distributed energy market in Australia

Abstract

A distributed energy system involves the use of small local power generators to supplement or replace the centralised domestic electricity supply. The widespread adoption of small local power generators presents a path for early action on climate change by reducing the emissions associated with a centralised fossil fuel electricity system. A strong potential influence on the emergence of a domestic distributed energy market in Australia is the willingness of the public to accept distributed generation. To study the potential acceptance of distributed energy we considered the environmental concern and consumer technology adoption literature. We then surveyed 706 householders from four Australian states during 2007. Our analysis of these data pointed to the public's willingness to accept the use of distributed generators, identified attitudinal and demographic characteristics related to higher acceptance, and assessed preferences regarding the technology's features. These findings provide a basis for understanding the behaviour of the public in the advent of a domestic distributed energy market. Implications are presented for decision-makers involved with domestic distributed energy and for researchers of products that have both environmental and technological characteristics.