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Introduction—Smart Grids: Design, Analysis and Implementation of a New Socio-technical System Read chapter Read first chapter

2016 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

Transition to Smart Grids: A Psychological Perspective

Authors : Ellen van der Werff, Goda Perlaviciute, Linda Steg

Published in: Smart Grids from a Global Perspective

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

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Abstract

A transition to smart grids requires a wide range of changes in household energy behaviour. In this chapter we discuss four key issues important for understanding and promoting behaviour in smart grids. First, we need to identify which behaviour needs to be changed. A transition to smart grids involves changes in a wide range of energy behaviours, including the adoption of sustainable energy resources, energy-efficient technologies, and automated control technology; investments in energy efficiency measures in buildings such as insulation; and user behaviour. Second, we need to know which factors influence behaviour in smart grids. We discuss the role of motivations and contextual factors. Third, it is important to test effects of interventions aimed to promote smart energy behaviours. Interventions can be aimed at changing the actual costs and benefits of behaviour, or at changing people’s perceptions and evaluations of different costs and benefits of behavioural options. Fourth, we need to understand which factors influence the acceptability of energy policies and energy systems changes aimed to promote smart grids. In this chapter we address important findings from psychological studies on these topics.

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previous chapter Smart Business for Smart Users: A Social Agenda for Developing Smart Grids
next chapter What Are Smart Grids? Epistemology, Interdisciplinarity and Getting Things Done
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Metadata
Title
Transition to Smart Grids: A Psychological Perspective
Authors
Ellen van der Werff
Goda Perlaviciute
Linda Steg
Copyright Year
2016
Book
Smart Grids from a Global Perspective

Print ISBN: 978-3-319-28075-2

Electronic ISBN: 978-3-319-28077-6

Copyright Year: 2016

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28077-6_4