The ageing population and smart metering: A field study of householders' attitudes and behaviours towards energy use in Scotland

Smart grids, smart metering and in-home displays (IHD) are expected to contribute to demand side management partly by increasing user knowledge whilst improving comfort, safety and the ability to cope with increasing costs. With an increasingly ageing population, the awareness and views of older people on energy use, technology, smart meters, smart grids are becoming progressively more important. Their behaviours regarding energy and technology use differ from the majority as they are usually living on low incomes and are at risk of fuel poverty. It is therefore important to understand their acceptance, engagement or resistance to smart metering, IHDs and external control of home appliances and heating. Their willingness and capacity to change time-use behaviours and reduce consumption is crucial. A study of older tenants in rural Scotland is presented. Sensors and IHDs were installed to measure and display electricity costs and consumption of large appliances and the electricity supply for each house, and show internal household and external temperatures. Householder's use of energy, habits and routine, strategies for keeping warm and attitudes towards technology, smart metering, IHDs and direct external control of appliances and heating were explored through interviews. Conclusions identify significant implications for future research and policy.