Abstract
This article entails an innovative approach to smart grid technology implementation, as it connects governance research with legal analysis. We apply the empirico-legal ‘ILTIAD framework’, which combines Elinor Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework with institutional legal theory (ILT), to an empirical case study of a local smart grid project. Empirical data were collected in an exploratory, descriptive example study of a single case, focusing on the Action Situation and interactions towards establishing a local Smart Grid. The case was chosen because of its complexity, following the ‘logic of intensity sampling’. Data triangulation took place combining participatory observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. Through an exploratory case study, we showed how the ILTIAD framework can help reduce complexity in local decision-making processes on smart grid implementation, as it allows for analytical description and prescriptive design of local smart grid systems. In the analysis we addressed ownership arrangements and contracts and identified barriers and opportunities for realizing a local smart grid system. The design part includes a scenario which revealed the prescribed patterns of behaviour (liberties and abilities) and the consequential aspects that apply to each situation. Analysing and designing normative alignment ex ante to the planning and implementation of a smart grid system provides clarity to stakeholders about their current opportunities. For this reason, the ILTIAD framework can be used as a design guideline for establishing new and integrated smart grid projects.
Highlights
This article entails an innovative approach to smart grid technology implementation, as it connects governance research with legal analysis
For the demonstration of how the ILTIAD framework can help reduce complexity in local decision-making processes on smart grid implementation, the BothovenNoord smart grid project is an excellent example as it displays such complexity
Context: biophysical conditions and attributes of community As regards the biophysical conditions, the BothovenNoord district is located east of the city centre of Enschede, the Netherlands. It consists of about 1500 houses which are distributed over several areas: Tattersall, Transburg, an old factory terrain and privately owned houses
Summary
This article entails an innovative approach to smart grid technology implementation, as it connects governance research with legal analysis. We apply the empirico-legal ‘ILTIAD framework’, which combines Elinor Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework with institutional legal theory (ILT), to an empirical case study of a local smart grid project. Introduction In the future, distributed generation from intermittent sustainable energy sources coupled with rising local demand are expected to present a significant challenge to current electricity grids [1–3]. This challenge is aggravated as the timing of local energy demand does not match the timing of local production of energy from renewable resources, for example from solar PV panels. The decision-making process should facilitate the collective action of a wide range of actors to implement this technology, while at the same time ensuring an increase in community acceptance
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
