Abstract

This paper considers how consumers might relate to future smart energy grids. We used animated sketches to convey the nature of a future energy infrastructure based on software agents. Users showed a considerable lack of trust in energy companies raising a dilemma of design. While users might welcome software agents to help in engaging with complex energy infrastructures, they had little faith in those that might provide them. This suggests the need to consider how to design software agents to enhance trust in these socio-economic settings.

At Home with Agents: Exploring Attitudes Towards Future Smart Energy Infrastructures / 3057 Tom A. Rodden, Joel E. Fischer, Nadia Pantidi, Khaled Bachour, Stuart Moran This paper considers how consumers might relate to future smart energy grids. We used animated sketches to convey the nature of a future energy infrastructure based on software agents. Users showed a considerable lack of trust in energy companies raising a dilemma of design. While users might welcome software agents to help in engaging with complex energy infrastructures, they had little faith in those that might provide them. This suggests the need to consider how to design software agents to enhance trust in these socio-economic settings.