The Deployment of Prepaid Electricity Meters in Sub-Saharan Africa: Riding the Fourth Industrial Wave

This book explores the deployment of prepaid electricity meter technology in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on its relationship with socio-economic development, technology acceptance, and energy poverty. It proposes a contextual model to avert or alleviate energy poverty using the technology and applies science to generate knowledge for policy makers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 139 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book offers a fresh and holistic approach to the deployment of prepaid electricity meter technology among energy-poor (vulnerable) households residing in developing or underdeveloped communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. It delves into the intricate relationship between technology, socio-economic development, technology acceptance, and rejection within low-income households. By proposing a contextual model, the book aims to mitigate or alleviate energy poverty in the region by leveraging prepaid meter technology. Science serves as a powerful tool, providing bespoke, contextual, and relevant knowledge to policy makers on the development of the prepaid meter market in the region. The insights shared contribute to ongoing discussions and debates regarding the effectiveness of this technology in serving indigent household settings. The book is designed for energy/electricity utilities, prepaid electricity businesses, policy developers, and other stakeholders with a vested interest in prepaid electricity meters.

Introduction:
The deployment of prepaid electricity meter technology has gained significant attention in recent years as a means to address the challenges of energy poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa. While the technology offers numerous benefits, including improved billing accuracy, cost savings, and increased access to electricity, its adoption among vulnerable households remains a complex issue. This book aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing prepaid electricity meter adoption, rejection, and impact on energy poverty in the region.

Socio-Economic Development and Prepaid Electricity Meter Adoption:
Socio-economic development plays a crucial role in determining the adoption of prepaid electricity meters. In communities with limited access to electricity, prepaid meters can provide a reliable and affordable source of power, enabling households to improve their quality of life and access essential services. However, factors such as income levels, education, and awareness of the benefits of prepaid meters can hinder the adoption of the technology.

Technology Acceptance and Rejection in Low-Income Households:
Understanding the factors that influence technology acceptance and rejection in low-income households is essential for successful prepaid electricity meter deployment. Factors such as trust, perceived risk, and convenience can impact the willingness of households to adopt prepaid meters. Additionally, cultural and religious beliefs, as well as traditional power structures, can influence technology adoption decisions.

Contextual Model for Averting or Assuaging Energy Poverty:
To address the challenges of energy poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa, the book proposes a contextual model that incorporates various factors influencing prepaid electricity meter adoption. The model aims to provide a framework for policymakers and stakeholders to develop effective strategies for promoting prepaid electricity meter adoption while minimizing rejection and ensuring positive impacts on energy poverty.

Science-Based Approach:
The book adopts a science-based approach to generate knowledge that is relevant and useful for policy makers and stakeholders. It utilizes scientific methods and theories to analyze data and draw conclusions about the factors influencing prepaid electricity meter adoption, rejection, and impact on energy poverty.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the literature on prepaid electricity meter deployment in Sub-Saharan Africa. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing prepaid electricity meter adoption, rejection, and impact on energy poverty. By proposing a contextual model and utilizing a science-based approach, the book provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop effective strategies for promoting prepaid electricity meter adoption and mitigating energy poverty in the region.

Weight: 244g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030712198
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021