The Development of a Community Microgrid Psychosocial Governance Framework

Abstract

This study addresses the gap in research on the institutional governance structures of community microgrids, particularly from a network governance perspective and broader psychosocial factors influencing user participation. It integrates Network Governance Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour to develop a conceptual framework for inclusive governance in community microgrids, grounded in the belief that governance structure precedes operational or managerial action. Data was gathered through a seven-point Likert scale questionnaire distributed via WhatsApp in Milnerton, Cape Town, with 113 responses. The study's theoretical contribution lies in the novel integration of the two theories, identifying five crucial variables and developing a framework tested using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). This testing confirmed the framework's reliability and validity, demonstrating high explanatory and predictive power. Empirical findings reveal significant relationships between prosumers' attitudes towards community microgrids, perceived inclusive control, and their intentions to support inclusive governance, mediated by their willingness to participate. Specific hypotheses were tested, showing significant relationships between attitudes and intentions to participate, and between perceived control and both intentions to participate and willingness to adopt network governance. This study uses a pure quantitative research method. By utilizing SEM and SmartPLS 4 software, it provides a substantial methodological contribution to the literature on community microgrids, demonstrating the effectiveness of SEM in this context. This study significantly enhances the literature by offering a robust, empirically validated network governance framework for community microgrids.