Illinois Science & Energy Innovation Foundation Smart Grid Education
The Smart Grid, Courtesy of Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN)
(2014 - Ongoing)
Loyola University Center for Urban Research and Learning (CURL), along with the Heartland Alliance Social IMPACT Research Center, conducted a two phase research project to help the Illinois Science & Energy Innovation Foundation (ISEIF) understand the network effect of its grantees’ public education efforts on knowledge and understanding about the Smart Grid.
Phase one consisted of a process study that gathered information through focus groups with participants who participated in ISEIF funded public education campaigns through ISEIF funded community groups. Approximately five months after the initial focus group, we conducted phone interviews with participants to learn more about how their education about the Smart Grid impacted their actions regarding electricity use and how they shared this new knowledge with their social networks. A literature review and analysis of ISEIF existing data were performed to help inform the development of a detailed evaluation design methodology report to guide the second phase of the study.
The second phase of this research project investigated the impact of the educational efforts and the network effect of ISEIF funded public education related to the new digital electrical system. Researchers collaborated with three of ISEIF’s grantees to collect data from public education event attendees: The Citizens Utility Board (CUB), Elevate Energy, and Faith in Place.
The third phase of the project which is currently being conducted is to disseminate information at various conferences.
Final Report: Assessing the Network Effect of ISEIF’s Public Education Efforts: Extended Local Research
Final Report
Research Team:
C. George, CURL
T. Neumann, CURL
J. Cossyleon, CURL Graduate Fellow
M. Luetkemeier, CURL Graduate Fellow
K. Ocampo, CURL Undergraduate Fellow
Z. Enriquez, CURL Undergraduate Fellow
S. Paulus, CURL Undergraduate Fellow
K. Moliere, CURL Undergraduate Fellow
A. Terpstra, Heartland Alliance
L. Carrow, Heartland Alliance
Community Partners: