Abstract:

Energy involves everybody. Current changes in energy and power systems, including the distributed production of renewables, an increasing need for flexibility of operations, and energy storage and transmission, affect consumers in one way or another. Changes often require the active participation and support of consumers, who may become prosumers. All the new systems and technologies developed by electrical engineers may influence consumer behavior and trigger positive or negative responses. Hence, it is important for electrical engineers to understand how their work may affect consumers, which behavior changes their solutions involve, and which consumer needs and preferences must be considered when developing new technology. This issue encourages a conversation among electrical engineers and social scientists and facilitates the integration of their different expertise.

Consumer Behavior: Why Engineers Need to Read About It [Guest Editorial]

Geertje Schuitema; Linda Steg; Mark O’Malley
IEEE Power and Energy Magazine
February 2018
DOI: 10.1109/MPE.2017.2762378

Geertje Schuitema; Linda Steg; Mark O'Malley