Community EmPOWERment Process and Report

The Community EmPOWERment research project investigated household thinking on how they might best reduce their electricity consumption. The Institute for Sustainable Futures undertook the research on MEFL's behalf, using an innovative action-research approach.

Download the final report at the bottom of this page

MEFL has been doing advocacy on the results of the project, with the aim of influencing decision-makers and processes to achieve better incentives for household energy-demand management. There have been two briefings organized for the electricity industry, government and non government organizations, one in Sydney (hosted by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre) and the other in Melbourne (hosted by the Sustainable Energy Authority Victoria). The project was funded by the National Consumers Electricity Advocacy Panel and the Customers Utility Advocacy Centre.

Background

As part of MEFL's work to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions it undertakes research to understand community needs and inform the design of community GHG emission reduction programs.
In early 2004, MEFL engaged the Institute for Sustainable Futures (the Institute) to conduct social research on Improving Demand Management Choices for Small Customers in the National Electricity Market (NEM). The National Consumers Electricity Advocacy Panel (NCEAP) and the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre (CUAC) funded the research.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the research were to investigate the social influences on household electricity consumption, improve understanding of barriers to demand management at the household level and identify promising policy actions to allow householders to better manage their electricity use.
A secondary objective was to educate householders on practical actions that they can take to reduce their electricity bills.
The Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) was established by the University of Technology, Sydney in 1996 to work with industry, government and the community to develop sustainable futures through research, consultancy and training. Where possible, it adopts an approach that is inter-disciplinary and participatory.

The Institute aims to engage with partners, funding agencies and clients in a co-operative process that emphasises strategic decision-making. The results are client-directed relevant solutions that work.
Readers wishing to obtain more information could contact ISF on (02) 9209 4350 or at isfATutsDOTeduDOTauDOT The ISF website can be visited at www.isf.uts.edu.au.

This Research Report is intended as a resource document for subsequent advocacy work, coordinated by MEFL. That is, the research will be used to recommend and advocate changes to legislation, regulations, codes, policies and regulatory and industry structures.

Download document

• Research Report: Full Report (doc, 1M)
  This 153 page report was prepared by the Institute for Sustainable Futures for Moreland Energy Foundation Ltd. Community EmPOWERment Final Research Report © University of Technology Sydney 2004
  
• Research Report: Summary(PDF, 604k)
  This 61 page report is a summary of research undertaken by the Institute for Sustainable Futures on behalf of MEFL (you can download the full final report below)