Open AccessUsers’ perception of the impact of prepaid metering on their energy consumption behaviour: A case study of Victoria Garden City, Lekki, Lagos State
Author(s) -
A. P. Opoko,
Amarachi A. Asinobi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
iop conference series. earth and environmental science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.179
H-Index - 26
eISSN - 1755-1307
pISSN - 1755-1315
DOI - 10.1088/1755-1315/665/1/012052
Subject(s) - consumption (sociology) , electricity , data collection , energy consumption , qualitative research , business , electricity meter , metering mode , socioeconomics , marketing , geography , engineering , environmental economics , economics , sociology , social science , physics , power (physics) , quantum mechanics , electrical engineering , mechanical engineering
There is a global drive to reduce energy consumption. Consequently, many countries are adopting smart metering at the domestic level. In 2006, Nigeria commenced introduction of the electricity advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), a type of prepaid meter with some smart features. This paper examined theperceptions of domestic electricity consumers on changes in their electricity consumption behaviour since the installation of the prepaid meters in their homes. The specific objectives were to i) ascertain if there had been changes in consumers’ energy consumption behaviours, and ii) identify the most significant behavioural changes deemed to have taken place. Data for this paper was drawn from a case study involving 350 residents of the Victoria Garden City, Lagos State, Nigeria – one of the earliest residential neighbourhoods to benefit from the AMI programme in Nigeria. The quantitative research method using a questionnaire as the main data collection instrument was adopted for this research. However, it was complimented by qualitative data obtained through interviews using interview guides. The quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and was presented in tables. The qualitative data was content analysed. The study found that respondents perceived changes in their energy consumption, consciousness and behaviour since the installation of the prepaid meters in their homes. Out of the six energy consumption behaviours investigated, the three most highly ranked behaviours were switching off electrical appliances when not in use (4.32), consideration of energy rating of electrical appliances before purchases(4.26) and avoidance of use of some electrical appliances (4.17).A major implication of the findings is the need for the electricity distribution companies to encode more interactive features in the meters and support consumers with information that will guide their consumption behaviours to achieve maximum efficiency. This will entail devoting attention to research, sensitizations, feedbacks and other forms of engagement with customers.