Energy Visibility Research Articles

Supporting Decentralised Energy Management through Smart Monitoring Systems in Public Authorities

Energy infrastructure in large, multi-site organisations such as municipal authorities, is often heterogeneous in terms of factors such as age and complexity of the technology deployed. Responsibility for day-to-day operation and maintenance of this infrastructure is typically dispersed across large numbers of individuals and impacts on even larger numbers of building users. Yet, the diverse population of stakeholders with an interest in the operation and development of this dynamic infrastructure typically have little or no visibility of energy and water usage. This paper explores the integration of utility metering data into urban management processes via the deployment of an accessible “smart meter” monitoring system. The system is deployed in three public authorities and the impact of the system is investigated based on the triangulation of evidence from semi-structured interviews and case studies. The research is framed from three perspectives: the bottom-up micro-level (individual and local), the top-down macro-level (organisation-wide and strategic) and intermediate meso-level (community-focused and operation). Evidence shows that improved communication across these levels enables a decentralisation and joining-up of energy management. Evidence points to the importance of reducing the cognitive load associated with monitoring systems. Better access to information supports more local autonomy, easier communication and cooperation between stakeholders and fosters the conditions necessary for adaptive practices to emerge.

Nuclear energy and the ballot

Nuclear decisions were first made at the Federal level, but as development increased nuclear energy's visibility, policy decisions have spread into a larger arena. The reason nuclear initiatives were defeated in several states last year, according to the anti-nuclear forces, was due to the heavy campagin financing by nuclear proponents; however, nationwide polling has indicated no serious qualms about nuclear energy. A shift in the battlegrounds can be expected until all avenues have been tried at local and state levels. The broadened controversy not only serves as a whole vehicle for disseminating information and motivating citizen response, but it requires independent judgment for all levels of representatives and may lead to more independent safety assessments. Prolonged court battles are predicted unless regulatory jurisdictions are clearly defined through legislation. A strong minority influence can be expected to continue (in spite of the overwhelming election defect) to demand a full public debate. (DCK)