Future energy communitiesThe normative route to

acceptability of energy alternatives

Marko Milovanović, Linda Steg & Russell SpearsUniversity of Groningen

Goal study

• Study the effects of social factors on acceptability of smart energy systems

• Future landscape: local energy initiatives

What are smart energy systems?

Energy transitions

• Individual approach– Value Belief Norm

Theory

• Social approach– Normative route – Group norms Personal norms

Method

• SampleN = 110 (58 male, 51 female), Age: M = 44.3 years, SD = 11.2

• Acceptability2 items, α = .89

• Injunctive Norm1 item

• Personal Norm3 items, α = .81

• Group-id: Self-stereotyping2 items, α = .80

The normative route to acceptability

AccIN

b = .460, p < .001

R2 = .166

The normative route to acceptability

AccIN

PN

b = .246, p = .033

b = .397, p = .001b = .540, p < .001

R2 = .257

The normative route to acceptability

AccIN

PN

b = .246, p = .033

b = .397, p = .001

grID

b = .124, p = .048

R2 = .257

The normative route to acceptability

AccIN

PN

b = .687, p < .001b = .365, p = .001

b = .216, p = .067

b = .427, p < .001

R2 = .268

Conclusion

Internalized norms

Long-term commitment

Thank you for your attention!

Questions?