A Framework for Agent-Based Models to Consider Energy Justice Through Technology Adoption

Fairly distributing the benefits and burdens of energy use and generation is at the heart of a just energy transition. Many end-use technologies in residential buildings can generate benefits to occupants (e.g., reduced energy costs and improved wellbeing) and the electric grid (e.g., shedding and shifting capabilities and reductions in peak demand), offering a lens through which to assess injustices in the sector. With agent-based models (ABMs) well positioned to analyze heterogeneous populations and diverse decision-making processes, we propose a sociotechnical framework that will support researchers and policymakers in developing agent-based models that account for dimensions of energy justice through technology adoption. The framework is designed to generate agent populations that better emulate the technology adoption dynamics of real-world households and holds strong potential to be utilized in the development of other agent-based models, such as those considering energy behaviors or improvements to building envelopes.