『Abstract
Consumers have a major role to play in smart grid technologies
which can be instrumental in addressing climate change and energy
challenges. However, little is known about how consumers perceive,
and how they might respond to the opportunities that smart grid
technologies offer. This paper reports the results from a Hong
Kong survey (n = 505). It contributes to the literature by providing
a better understanding of the perceptions and behaviour of electricity
consumers about the possible deployment of smart grids.
Our results indicate that Hong Kong consumers generally welcomed
smart grid technologies and had a preference for energy saving,
energy efficiency and renewable energy while they showed a high
level of opposition to nuclear power. They displayed an interest
in playing a much more informed and active role in energy decision-making,
but they were sensitive to tariff increases. Motivations and barriers
for consumers to support smart grid developments are also discussed.
We conclude with a discussion of policy implications for effective
consumer engagement. More policy attention is needed on demand-side
measures, introducing institutional and regulatory changes, and
modifying relationships between consumers, the government and
utilities.
Keywords: Smart grids; Consumer perception; Sustainability』
1. Introduction
2. Consumers and smart grids: Global trends and Hong Kong context
2.1. Global trends
2.2. Hong Kong context
2. Objectives and methodology
4. Survey results
4.1. What are electricity consumer perceptions of the performance
of the electricity suppliers in Hong Kong
4.2. What are Hong Kong consumer preference on energy approaches
to addressing climate change impacts
4.3. What is the acceptability of smart grid technologies or
techniques to Hong Kong consumers?
4.4. How do Hong Kong consumers perceive tariff changes and what
are their preferences regarding dynamic pricing options?
4.5. What are factors that Hong Kong consumers think are important
to provide incentives to support or take part in smart grid developments?
4.6. What are the barriers that Hong Kong consumers think are
important to discourage them to support smart grid developments?
4.7. How do Hong Kong consumers perceive changes that could be
made for smart grids? Who should take action?
4.8. Relationships between respondents' socio-economic characteristics
and acceptability of smart grid technologies and policies
5. Conclusion and policy implications for consumer engagement
References