Perception of Energy Experts on the Adoption of Energy Efficient Technology: A study on Commercial and Industrial Electricity Consumers of Klang Valley, Malaysia

Barriers to commercial and industrial energy efficiency improvements in Klang Valley, Malaysia are more pronounced due to the existence of factors such as weak policy and regulatory frameworks, economic and financial constraints, lack of information, and other issues. This research utilized a qualitative research methodology using a phenomenology approach aimed at enhancing the knowledge of commercial and industrial energy efficiency in Klang Valley, Malaysia by investigating the barriers associated with the implementation of energy efficiency measure. The eleven main themes and twenty-eight sub-themes identified from the study revealed that energy is poorly managed in the various commercial and industrial sectors and that there is an energy efficiency gap resulting from the low implementation of energy efficiency measures. In addition, the study revealed that the most important factors impeding the implementation of cost-effective energy efficiency technologies in the organizations are principally economic and financial barriers such as lack of budget funding and access to capital. The study also revealed that these economic and financial barriers are linked to the lack of adequate government framework for commercial and industrial energy efficiency. The study also showed that market factors related to cost reductions resulting from lowered energy use and threats of rising energy prices are the most important drivers for adapting energy efficiency technologies. To motivate energy efficiency, there should be established standards, guidelines, roadmaps, regulations, and enforcement of regulation suitable for the local environment, which at present has not been executed completely in Malaysia.