Bronwyn Lazowski is a PhD Candidate in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on the social aspects of residential smart grid technology adoption. In particular, her mixed-methods research investigates the potential of smart grid engagement mechanisms (e.g., in-home displays, web portals, goal-setting and scheduling) to engage consumers with the smart grid and to shape energy practices in order to achieve conservation and demand management objectives. Bronwyn’s research develops Stephenson et al.’s (2010) Energy Cultures Framework to assess how the introduction of smart grid technologies influences consumption norms, practices and technological adoption, or the movement towards a ‘smart’ residential energy culture.

Two residential case studies in Ontario, Canada are the focus of Bronwyn’s research. One is based in Milton, Ontario and investigates the influence of smart panel technology on household decision-making and overall residential consumption culture. The second case study investigates the impacts of a large-scale implementation of in-home displays. Through her research, Bronwyn aims to bring insights on how to implement a consumer-centered approach to smart grid program and policy design for the development of effective policies and meaningful technological design and the achievement of a ‘smart’ and ‘sustainable’ energy culture at the residential scale. Bronwyn is a renewal recipient of the Energy Council of Canada Energy Policy Research Fellowship.