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Turning green: Agent-based modeling of the adoption of dynamic electricity tariffs

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Kowalska-Pyzalska
  • Katarzyna Maciejowska
  • Katarzyna Sznajd-Weron
  • Karol Suszczynski
  • Rafal Weron

Abstract

Using an agent-based modeling approach we study the temporal dynamics of consumer opinions regarding switching to dynamic electricity tariffs and the actual decisions to switch. We assume that the decision to switch is based on the unanimity of $\tau$ past opinions. The resulting model explains why there is such a big discrepancy between consumer opinions, as measured by market surveys, and the actual participation in pilot programs and the adoption of dynamic tariffs. We argue that due to the high indifference level in today's retail electricity markets, customer opinions are very unstable and change frequently. The conducted simulation study shows that reducing the indifference level can result in narrowing the intention-behavior gap. A similar effect can be achieved by decreasing the decision time that a consumer takes to make a decision.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Kowalska-Pyzalska & Katarzyna Maciejowska & Katarzyna Sznajd-Weron & Karol Suszczynski & Rafal Weron, 2013. "Turning green: Agent-based modeling of the adoption of dynamic electricity tariffs," HSC Research Reports HSC/13/10, Hugo Steinhaus Center, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology.
    • Handle: RePEc:wuu:wpaper:hsc1310
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    File URL: http://www.im.pwr.wroc.pl/~hugo/RePEc/wuu/wpaper/HSC_13_10.pdf
    File Function: Original version, 2013; Final version published in Energy Policy 72, 164-174 (2014; doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2014.04.021)
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Dynamic pricing; Demand response; Consumer decisions; Intention-behavior gap; Innovation diffusion; Agent-based model;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C63 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computational Techniques
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • Q48 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Government Policy
    • Q55 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Technological Innovation

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