Repairing the Smart Grid: A Study of How Local and Post Local Repair Work Connect ICT Systems, Users and Smart Technologies

Peter H. Jacobsen, Trine Pallesen

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperResearchpeer-review

Abstract

This article contributes to the growing literature about repair work. Classic studies of organizational work described technical repair work as situated and local, while more recent studies argue that technical problems can be lifted out of their context via new technologies such as information and communication systems (ICT). The article draws on observations of field technicians repairing the connectivity between ‘smart’ technology and ICT systems: an arrangement that allows so-called aggregators to automate the heat of private households. Our study shows how local and post local repair work co-exists and contributes to maintain connectivity (and social order) between appliances in users houses, local technology and ICT systems. First, local repair work in households maintain connectivity between ‘smart’ technology and ICT systems. Second, technicians closely document installations and repair work conducted in the individual houses. Third, this documentation together with technicians intimate knowledge of users, their practices and homes, allow some repair work to be lifted out of context.
Original languageEnglish
Publication date2020
Number of pages18
Publication statusPublished - 2020
Event36th EGOS Colloquium 2020: Organizing for a Sustainable Future: Responsibility, Renewal & Resistance - Virtual Conference, Hamburg, Germany
Duration: 2 Jul 20204 Jul 2020
Conference number: 36
https://www.egosnet.org/2020/hamburg/general_theme

Conference

Conference36th EGOS Colloquium 2020
Number36
LocationVirtual Conference
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityHamburg
Period02/07/202004/07/2020
Internet address

Keywords

  • Organizational ethnography
  • Technical work
  • Repair
  • ICT
  • New technology
  • Electricity users
  • Infrastructure

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