Determinants of Smart Meter on Sustainable Energy Consumption Behavior: A Developing Country Perspective

Abstract

Smart meter technology installation as a potent means of energy management is a nascent and evolving phenomenon in most developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The ascendency is exponentially provoking migration from hugely unmetered electricity consumers in favour of smart meter technology. For policymakers to formulate actionable and effective energy policies, a deeper understanding of factors that culture users’ interest in smart meter technology is necessary. Despite the imperativeness of consumers’ viewpoints in policy-design, little contemporary insights still exit regarding those antecedents that propel electricity consumers to switch to smart meter. Accordingly, this study examines determinants of smart meter and their potential influence on sustainable energy consumption behavior among residents in under-reported sub-urban areas in Nigeria. The drivers were employed to extend the Theory of Planned Behavior. One hundred and fifty copies of self-administered questionnaire serve as data collection instrument from participants. Structural equation modeling technique with the assistance of SmartPLS software was utilized in data analysis relating to the hypothesized paths in the research framework. Findings show that bill estimation anxiety and perceived behavioral control were the critical factors that determine smart meter purchase intentions and indirectly influence sustainable energy consumption behavior. Other lesser yet significant constructs were environmental concern, attitude, and subjective norm. Theoretical and potential energy policy/marketing implications of the findings were highlighted.