Socio-technical representation of electricity provision across scales

Abstract

This chapter presents an analytical framework that formalises the representation of socio-technical systems. The focus is on utility infrastructure systems of service provision. We first introduce the main socio-technical components and type of relationships commonly found in these systems, with a focus on the electricity system. This framework not only allows one to trace the flows of electricity via infrastructural assets, but also of money via the actors involved. The framework is then used at three points in time in the electricity sector for the residential demand in Victoria, Australia. We also suggest potential modelling implementations and other applications highlighting avenues for the utilisation of the analytical framework by the transitions modelling community and anyone interested in studying change.