THE ROLE OF CONSUMER INVOLVEMENT IN OPTIMIZING THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY CHAIN - SMART GRIDS, SMART CARS, SMART CONSUMERS?

Authors

  • Noémi Piricz Dunaújváros University of Applied Sciences, Department of Management and Enterprise Sciences
  • Péter Bajor Dunaújváros University of Applied Sciences, Department of Mechanical Sciences
  • Csilla Fejes Dunaújváros University of Applied Sciences, Department of Management and Enterprise Sciences

Abstract

The electrification of personal, public and commercial transportation is considered as one of the possible solutions to challenges such as global warming, sustainability, and the limited availability of fossil fuels. The integration of electric vehicles into the electricity portfolio present many challenges, but also opportunities to the operation and planning of the electricity supply chain. The supply chain of electricity is a unique one of its kind; not only because of the fixed distribution routes and strictly pull strategy, but because the end consumer has the option to directly contribute to the chain as a producer/wholesaler/system influencer as well. This study investigates consumer attitude towards incentives supporting electric car usage, and towards the promotion of active consumer involvement for electric car owners as contributors in supply chain optimization. Research was conducted in central Hungary (N=211), and results indicate that given the sufficient amount of state support and concrete consumer benefits, consumers have the willingness to cooperate with smart grids whilst creating a more balanced, more stable and more efficient electricity supply chain.

 

Keywords: consumer involvement, electric cars, smart grid, supply chain optimization

Downloads

Published

2017-12-04

Issue

2017: Proceedings of The 17th International Scientific Conference Business Logistics in Modern Management

Section

Articles