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Does smart meter really stimulate households’ sustainable electricity consumption behaviour? An attitudinal-behavioural study

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Abstract

Across nations, unprecedented electricity utilisation arising partly from growing population especially in developing economies, rising environmental abuses and accelerating depletion of natural resources are increasingly challenging the existence of global family, thereby bringing to fore the need to care for and consume resource sustainably. Access to electricity is a requirement for a good standard of living. This research examines contemporary issues regarding what motivates households to consume energy sustainably using smart meter technology widely adjudged a critical tool in electricity/energy management as a proxy for sustainable electricity consumption behaviour. A sample size of 150 households was determined statistically. The questionnaire served as a data collection instrument from respondents. Snowball and judgemental sampling techniques were utilised to recruit participants from under-metred semi-urban areas in Southeastern Nigeria. The structural equation modelling technique was applied to analyse the dataset with the aid of SmartPLS software. The findings indicate that attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control significantly influence behavioural intentions; however, the direct influence of perceived behavioural control on sustainable energy consumption behaviour was not supported. Furthermore, behavioural intention correlates significantly with sustainable energy consumption behaviour. Potential implications of the findings to policy and practice were pointed out.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge Anthony C. Ugwuja, the Feeder Manager of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), for assisting with comments on the features and functionalities of the Nigerian smart meter system.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Procurement Department, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria

    Chukwunonso Oraedu

  2. Department of Marketing, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria

    Edwin Chukwuemeka Idoko, Chidera Christian Ugwuanyi & Emmanuel Ejiofo Nwanmuoh

  3. Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

    Ike Ernest Onyishi

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  1. Chukwunonso Oraedu
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  2. Edwin Chukwuemeka Idoko
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Contributions

The first draft of the manuscript was developed by Dr. Chukwunonso Oraedu; this include the conceptualisation of the research model and establishment of identified gaps in extant literature. The literature review section and theoretical background upon which testable hypotheses were anchored on were jointly written by Dr. Chukwunonso Oraedu, Dr. Edwin Idoko, Dr. Chidera Christian Ugwuanyi, Dr. Emmanuel Ejiofo Nwanmuoh and Prof. Ike Ernest Onyishi. The methodology section was drafted by Dr. Chukwunonso Oraedu. The analysis and discussions sections were handled by Dr. Chukwunonso Oraedu, Dr. Edwin Idoko and Dr. Chidera Christian Ugwuanyi. Finally, Dr. Chukwunonso Oraedu, Dr. Edwin Idoko, Dr. Chidera Christian Ugwuanyi, Dr. Emmanuel Ejiofo Nwanmuoh and Prof. Ike Ernest Onyishi all took turns in editing, refining and updating several drafts of the manuscript including the final draft.

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Correspondence to Chukwunonso Oraedu.

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Appendix

Appendix

Adapted scale items

Subjective norms (SN)

My households are very supportive of me using Electricity Prepaid Meter.

I use Electricity Prepaid Meter because my friends and neighbours use it.

People important to me think I should use Electricity Prepaid Meter.

I use Electricity Prepaid Meter not because I want to but because it has become a government-directed policy.

Attitude (ATT)

Using the Electricity Prepaid Meter is a good idea.

It is a pleasant experience using the Electricity Prepaid Meter.

I like the idea of using the Electricity Prepaid Meter.

Perceived behavioural control (PBC)

I would be able to use the Electricity Prepaid Meter.

Using the Electricity Prepaid Meter is entirely within my power (control).

I have the resources, knowledge and abilities to make use of the Electricity Prepaid Meter.

Behavioural intention (BI)

As for me, I intend to continue using the Electricity Prepaid Meter.

Even if I relocate to another apartment, I intend to use the Electricity Prepaid Meter.

In the future, I intend to leave or stay in an apartment with an installed Electricity Prepaid Meter system.

Sustainable consumption lifestyle-behaviour (SCLB)

Since I started using my Electricity Prepaid Meter, I reduced the usage of my air conditioner, water heater and electric cooker to save energy.

I now conserve energy ever since I started using my Electricity Prepaid Meter.

Since I started using my Electricity Prepaid Meter, I replaced the yellow bulbs in my household with white bulbs and energy-saving (efficient) ones.

I now buy energy-efficient appliances since I started using the Electricity Prepaid Meter.

I now check my energy balance regularly.

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Oraedu, C., Idoko, E.C., Ugwuanyi, C.C. et al. Does smart meter really stimulate households’ sustainable electricity consumption behaviour? An attitudinal-behavioural study. Energy Efficiency 15, 21 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12053-022-10025-0

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