Simulating user learning in authoritative technology adoption: An agent based model for council-led smart meter deployment planning in the UK

TL;DR

This paper develops an agent-based model to simulate how users learn to effectively use smart meters after adoption, highlighting the impact of interventions on energy efficiency and continuous usage.

Contribution

It introduces a novel agent-based model for user learning in authoritative technology adoption, specifically applied to smart meter deployment in the UK.

Findings

Easier user experience leads to higher energy efficiency.

Informational interventions facilitate user learning.

Positive attitudes promote continuous smart meter use.

Abstract

How do technology users effectively transit from having zero knowledge about a technology to making the best use of it after an authoritative technology adoption? This post-adoption user learning has received little research attention in technology management literature. In this paper we investigate user learning in authoritative technology adoption by developing an agent-based model using the case of council-led smart meter deployment in the UK City of Leeds. Energy consumers gain experience of using smart meters based on the learning curve in behavioural learning. With the agent-based model we carry out experiments to validate the model and test different energy interventions that local authorities can use to facilitate energy consumers' learning and maintain their continuous use of the technology. Our results show that the easier energy consumers become experienced, the more energy-efficient they are and the more energy saving they can achieve; encouraging energy consumers' contacts via various informational means can facilitate their learning; and developing and maintaining their positive attitude toward smart metering can enable them to use the technology continuously. Contributions and energy policy/intervention implications are discussed in this paper.