Marginalising household users in smart grids

Beyond the Grid: The Micropolitics of Off‐Grid Energy in Qandu‐Qandu, South Africa

“…It is vital to recognise that utilities operating in the off-grid space often do not benefit from easy access to venture and other forms of capital, which in turn means that scaling is less rapid than for other businesses operating in more "formal" environments and with access to finance. At the same time, it is essential to acknowledge the inequalities involved in delivering a service that in formal urban areas could be provided for free (see Tarasova and Rohracher 2023), at least in part, by the municipal government, under South Africa's guarantee of 50 kWh of Free Basic Electricity (FBE). While this is a limitation and element of inequality that transpired during the short project lifetime, an area for further exploration and practice-focused work should involve linking FBE vouchers to the usage of the microgrids.…”

Energy Literacy and Justice: The Path to Inclusivity

“…The importance of inclusivity in smart grid design is addressed, pointing out the potential for exclusion without careful consideration (Tarasova & Rohracher, 2023). By integrating insights across disciplines, the literature reveals the complex layers of exclusion that can arise, advocating for designs that ensure no one is left behind.…”

“…By integrating insights across disciplines, the literature reveals the complex layers of exclusion that can arise, advocating for designs that ensure no one is left behind. The study by Tarasova and Rohracher (2023) Although energy education and energy literacy are closely related concepts within the field of energy studies, they serve distinct roles in shaping how individuals and societies engage with energy systems. Energy education primarily focuses on the structured dissemination of knowledge about energy systems to build a foundational conceptual understanding, whereas energy literacy extends this foundation into practical realms.…”

“…A predominant issue is the limited knowledge among the public, leading to inequality in benefiting from advancements like smart grid developments (Snow et al, 2022). These challenges are compounded by varying levels of motivation, ability, and opportunity among individuals, which can create disparities in access and understanding, potentially hindering a successful energy transition and the realization of energy justice (Mrozowska et al, 2021;Snow et al, 2022;Tarasova & Rohracher, 2023). Additionally, potential conflicts may arise as energy literacy may not guarantee successful transition or justice, highlighting the need to address knowledge gaps for effective energy policies (Sovacool & Blyth, 2015).…”

“…However, opportunities to improve energy literacy lie in increasing digital and energy competencies, engaging individuals in sustainability initiatives, and providing comprehensive support for learning about energy products and services (Fuller & Moore, 2018;Tarasova & Rohracher, 2023). Incorporating justice and ethics into energy education aligns with societal values such as fairness and transparency, enhancing user acceptance and facilitating a more inclusive and equitable energy transition (Fuller & Moore, 2018;Szulecki, 2018).…”