Abstract
This study aims to improve the understanding of the sociopsychological and technological aspects that influence the use of smart meters—innovative electricity meters that provide real-time data on consumption and are instrumental in increasing energy efficiency. Few studies have examined the sociopsychological factors that influence their use. We argue that the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and other specific factors from the social psychology literature, such as perceived procedural justice and risk perception, can help understand what determines the use of smart meters. To empirically examine that, first a quantitative survey was conducted with 515 households with smart meters installed. Results indicate that smart meter use is influenced by subjective norms, perceived utility, health-related risk perception, procedural justice, and time of usage. In a second study, internet blogs discussing smart meters were analyzed. This study corroborated some of the results of the first study and suggested additional factors—such as perceived distributive injustice and loss of control and privacy-related risk perception—that may influence the use of smart meters.
Highlights
Energy efficiency is crucial in addressing two of the most important challenges of6 present-day industrialized societies - the climate and the energy crises
Results indicate that smart meter use is influenced by subjective norms, perceived utility, health-related risk perception, procedural justice and time of usage
The first set of hypotheses arising from the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) confirmed the positive and 8 statistically significant influence of the subjective norm on the behaviour of using the EB (H1b), demonstrating the importance of the perception that respondents have about
Summary
Energy efficiency is crucial in addressing two of the most important challenges of. 6 present-day industrialized societies - the climate and the energy crises. Whereas fostering low carbon energy production is an important way to tackle both climate. 11 change concerns and energy security ones (Renewables Directive -2009/28/EC), measures taken in the consumption side of energy systems arguably yield the most efficient results in addressing those concerns (Stern 2000). The household sector has been described as a sector where, despite all energy efficiency measures, consumption continues to increase (Bertoldi &Atanasiu 2007). The need for more efficient energy systems - Smart grids and smart meters. An Introduction to Qualitative Research (4th ed.). Distributive and Procedural Justice in the Workplace.
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