Title: Model for measuring the effect of incentive schemes, tariff regimes and technological innovations on change of consumer behaviour on energy savings: a study based on Sri Lankan electricity consumers in the domestic sector

Authors: W. Jayaratne; S.W.S.B. Dasanayaka; D.M. Mudalige

Addresses: Ceylon Electricity Board, No. 25, Council Lane, Dehiwala, Sri Lanka; Department of Management of Technology, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka ' Faculty of Business, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka ' Department of Industrial Management, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

Abstract: The influences of incentives and regulations on changing consumer mindset on efficient usage of technologies, tariff regimes and consumption pattern are evaluated within this study. This research attempts to develop a scientific model with these three independent constructs in the light of two mediating variables. Theory of planned behaviour (TPB), technology acceptance model (TAM), attitude behaviour and consequence (ABC) model and information processing theory (IPT) are used as the existing knowledge. The integrated model is then evaluated, reduced and re-specified using structural equation modelling (SEM) technique. The sample size is 500 domestic consumers. The findings show that existing incentive mechanisms on lower end domestic consumers are ineffective. The effective group is the high-end consumers who consume more than 180 kWh units per month. The model is validated specially with 100 randomly selected consumers in the domestic sector and can be applied as a policy directive on energy conservation in Sri Lanka.

Keywords: energy conservation; incentives; interventions; regulatory framework; structural equation modelling; tariff regimes; technology management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEME.2021.120099

International Journal of Engineering Management and Economics, 2021 Vol.6 No.4, pp.272 - 291

Received: 17 Jan 2020
Accepted: 02 Dec 2020
Published online: 07 Jan 2022 *