SWI

Moy, C., Giurco, D., Boyle, T., (2013) Can Smart Meters Create Smart Behaviour? Proceedings of the XXXIV International Conference on Sustainable Water Resources Management, Stockholm, Sweden, 15-16 July, 2013.

 

Abstract

Intelligent technologies are increasingly facilitating sustainable water management strategies in Australia. While this innovation presents clear cost benefits to utilities through immediate leak detection and deference of capital costs, the impact of this technology on households is less distinct. By offering real-time engagement and detailed end-use consumption breakdowns, there is significant potential for demand reduction as a behavioural response to increased information. Despite this potential, passive implementation without well-planned residential engagement strategies is likely to result in a lost opportunity. This paper begins this research process by exploring the effect of smart water meters through the lens of three behaviour change theories. 

 

 

 

Liu, A., Giurco, D., Mukheibir, P., Graeme, W. (2013) Smart metering and billing: Information to guide household water consumption, Proceedings of the AWA Water Education, Efficiency and Skills conference, Sydney, Australia, March 2013.

 

Abstract

Until now householders have received limited information on their water consumption patterns. Smart water metering presents far more detailed information resources and the opportunity to transform the existing flow of information to consumers for improved efficiencies in water usage. However, a balance is needed between delivering current minimal information and the full detail smart metering can provide on time of use and end-uses. It is critical to understand what information is of value to householders. This paper presents results from a recent householder survey at MidCoast Water (NSW) which improves our understanding of the customer perspective on water consumption information.

 

 

 

Giurco, D., White, S. & Stewart, R.A. (2010) Smart metering and water end-use data: conservation benefits and privacy risks, Water, 2, (3), pp. 461-467.

 

Abstract

Smart metering technology for residential buildings is being trialed and rolled out by water utilities to assist with improved urban water management in a future affected by climate change. The technology can provide near real-time monitoring of where water is used in the home, disaggregated by end-use (shower, toilet, clothes washing, garden irrigation, etc.). This paper explores questions regarding the degree of information detail required to assist utilities in targeting demand management programs and informing customers of their usage patterns, whilst ensuring privacy concerns of residents are upheld.

 

 

 

Stewart, R.A., Willis, R., Giurco, D., Panuwatwanich, K. & Capati, B. (2010) Web-based knowledge management system: linking smart metering to the future of urban water planning, Australian Planner, 47, (2), pp. 66-74.

 

Abstract

The planning of cities and their water supplies are intertwined. This paper explores the potential role of smart metering for the future of water planning and management in Australian cities. Smart meters for electricity are being rolled out nationally, and while smart meters for water are not yet being implemented at such a scale, they have the capacity to deliver increasing data to planners and residents about patterns of water use. To translate this data to useful information, a Web-Based Knowledge Management System (WBKMS) is proposed, which integrates smart metering, end use water consumption data, wireless communication networks and information management systems in order to provide real-time information on how, when and where water is being consumed for the consumer and utility. Summary data from the system will also be of interest to architects, developers and planners, seeking to understand water consumption patterns across stratified urban samples. An overview of the challenges for developing the WBKMS and an associated research agenda to address current knowledge gaps concludes the paper.