Poster #84 - Public Acceptance of Mobile Community Microgrids: The Roles Power Outage Experiences, and Energy Justice

• In Event: Friday Poster Reception

Abstract

Climate-related disruptions to power grids are increasing in frequency and severity, emphasizing the urgent need for effective energy transition solutions such as Mobile Community Microgrids (MCMs). MCMs provide flexible, rapidly deployable infrastructure that can significantly enhance energy resilience in affected communities. However, successful and equitable adoption of MCMs depends not only on technological viability but also significantly on public perceptions, lived experiences, and social-psychological factors—areas currently underexplored. This study introduces a justice-focused framework for MCM adoption, explicitly examining: (1) critical social-psychological and economic influences, and (2) energy justice dimensions, including recognitional, distributional, and procedural justice, that shape public acceptance of MCM technologies.

Using data from a nationally representative survey (n ≈ 2,000) designed and conducted across the United States, we apply hierarchical and multiple regression analyses to investigate the influence of socio-demographic characteristics, prior power outage experiences, and perceptions of reliability, safety, and financial factors on adoption intention MCM technology. Findings indicate that perceived power, reliability and disaster response effectiveness are primary drivers of adoption interest, alongside significant consideration of financial incentives. While income and race did not significantly predict adoption interest, gender and political ideology emerged as important factors. Notably, the frequency of outages, rather than their duration, was more influential in increasing support for MCMs. Preferences for MCM placement varied, with individuals frequently experiencing power disruptions prioritizing deployment in low-income and residential areas. Additionally, the analysis underscores the importance of atrium,  procedural, and distributional justice considerations. These findings highlight the necessity of incorporating community perspectives and lived experiences into MCM deployment strategies, offering empirical insights essential for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable energy resilience planning.

Author

• Chien-fei Chen, Clemson University
  Presenting Author