The Antecedents and Outcomes of Energy-Conserving Behaviors Among Industrial and Commercial Prosumers of Net Energy Metering (NEM) in Malaysia

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) net energy metering (NEM) scheme adoption is generally known for its advantages. However, limited research has been conducted on the prosumers’ behaviors, especially in the industrial and commercial sectors. This study is exploratory and explanatory in identifying the variables; therefore, preliminary research was conducted by interviewing 15 firms and collecting 372 usable responses from the cross-sectional survey questionnaires. The conceptual framework consists of antecedents and outcomes of prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors (PECB). The antecedent consists of theories conceptualized from the extended TOE called STOPE and institutional theory (INT), with energy-saving culture (ESC) as a moderator. Meanwhile, the outcomes include sustainable energy consumption and production (SECP) and provider–consumer relationships (PCR) as moderators. The outcomes of SECP further revealed the significant results of energy-conserving behavior on the economic, environmental, social, governance, and technical aspects of the sustainable outcome of PECB. Additionally, the findings offer a transformative power and valuable knowledge for policymakers, scholars, and stakeholders in the industry that can significantly contribute to realizing sustainable practices. Future research may explore other variable factors, theories, sampling techniques, and larger samples. Also, different analytic approaches were considered and mixed methods were used to investigate the long-term impacts of prosumers’ energy-conserving behavior patterns and overall sustainability.

1. Introduction

Global energy demand is steadily increasing. Today, the global community faces the challenge of increasing the variety of energy resources while conserving energy. Prosumers should be made aware of ways to conserve energy. Industrial and commercial prosumers were responsible for producing electricity from solar PV installed for their businesses. This study aimed to determine the energy-saving habits of Malaysian prosumers in both industrial and commercial sectors. This topic is significant because of the ongoing increase in global energy demand. Sustainability is defined as a state in which current demands are satisfied without compromising the capacity of future generations to satisfy their own needs. Each firm has its viewpoint on the balance between the current state of sustainable construction and its potential to protect the environment for current and future generations. A significant component of responsibility is energy awareness, which requires energy conservation. Recently, there has been an increase in prosumer engagement in the broader field of sustainability and environmental protection. Climate change and the risks it poses to the environment and humans demand changes at all levels of society.

In 1980, Toffler used the term “prosumer” to describe the economic systems of the First and Third Waves, specifically the agricultural and information revolutions [1,2,3,4]. He described the actions of the First Wave as individuals consuming the products they produced and referred to them as ‘prosumers’. The term ‘prosumer’ combines the words ‘producer’ and ‘consumer’ [5,6]. Prosumers in the renewable energy sector refer to households or firms that generate excess energy and supply it to the power grid. Conversely, when fuel or energy needs surpass their output, they draw upon the grid to acquire the same energy. Prosumers frequently employ technology, such as the adoption of solar PV, to generate electrical energy. Solar-generated electricity is used locally, turning individuals or firms into prosumers, positively impacting the natural environment by lowering the burden on the electrical distribution grid [7,8]. Malaysia has made efforts to increase its solar energy capacity and implement the net energy metering (NEM) program to promote the adoption of renewable energy. The NEM scheme, established in 2016, has seen substantial advancements, leading to the introduction of NEM 2.0 and later NEM 3.0. Recently, there has been a significant amount of attention directed toward solar photovoltaic (PV) technology because of its ability to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and decrease dependence on fossil fuels [9,10]. Deploying renewable energy is a vital tool for reducing carbon emissions in the electricity sector and lessening the impact of climate change. Preserving power is of the highest importance when it comes to reducing carbon emissions in economies and ensuring the long-term viability of firms. Solar photovoltaics are one of the variable renewables, a vital technology that can aid the electricity sector in decarbonizing [11].

Consequently, the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia has established an ambitious mission of enticing new investments in Malaysia’s renewable energy industry. Furthermore, Bank Negara Malaysia has set aside RM1 billion to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) implementing sustainable and low-carbon practices [12]. Policies such as NEM 3.0, Smart Automation Grants (SAG), and Green Investment Tax (GITA) have helped Malaysia’s clean energy industry thrive. Moreover, the NEM scheme allows for electricity bill rebates with solar setups, resulting in appealing return on investment opportunities [13]. The government introduced the NEM scheme in 2016 to encourage the use of solar energy among Malaysian customers. As part of this initiative, a 500 MW solar incentive was allocated for this effort. SEDA Malaysia acted as the Implementing Agency (IA) for this effort, which was conducted by the Malaysian Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA) and governed by the Energy Commission (EC) [14].

Since the introduction of NEM 3.0, the statistics show that while the initial uptake was modest, participation has been steadily increasing particularly among households compared to commercial and industrial sector [15]. Nevertheless, the commercial and industrial sectors lag behind households in technology adoption and still have room for improvement, as illustrated in

Table 1. Net energy metering (NEM) progress in Malaysia as of 31 March 2022.

Programme and Year/ Progress	NEM 2.0 (2019–2020)	NEM 3.0 (2021–2023)	NEM 2.0 (2019–2020)	NEM 3.0 (2021–2023)	NEM 2.0 (2019–2020)	NEM 3.0 (2021–2023)
	Households	Households	Commercial	Commercial	Industrial	Industrial
In Operation	133	1412	1299	291	628	156
In Progress	3034	2583	178	1005	101	461
TOTAL	3167	3995	1477	1296	729	617

[16]. The lack of government action may be the cause, necessitating awareness campaigns to enhance citizens’ engagement. Hence, the low adoption of NEM by commercial and industrial sectors could potentially hinder the overall progress of government efforts to fulfill the nation’s renewable energy goals sustainably, as argued convincingly in this study. Considering the circumstances, investigating the implementation of the NEM scheme is a captivating topic to explore. Furthermore, it is imperative to do further research as there is a noticeable lack of studies on energy-conserving techniques related to implementing the NEM scheme in Malaysia.

The limited adoption of solar PV NEM schemes in Malaysia’s industrial and commercial sectors indicates a lack of knowledge regarding the elements that impact energy-conserving behaviors in these sectors. Prior research has frequently emphasized the technical and economic advantages of solar PV NEM schemes, neglecting the behavioral variables that significantly influence the decision-making process. This study seeks to address this disparity by examining the fundamental behaviors and motivating factors contributing to the adoption of solar PV NEM schemes within a sustainable energy consumption and production framework. Statistically, in 2021, electricity consumers in Malaysia such as industrial sector (50.00%), transport (0.20%), residential (23.80%), commercial, including the public services sector (26.00%), and agriculture, including forestry (0.40%) [17]. In this relation, this study will concentrate on the industrial and commercial sectors to answer the research gap and objectives, including analyzing the allocation of quotas of NEM users divided into specific categories by SEDA Malaysia.

The synergy between Industry 4.0 and Energy 4.0 emerges from the acknowledgement that the manufacturing sector is a significant energy user, hence underscoring the significance of energy systems in facilitating industrial activities. Therefore, by combining these two ideas, manufacturers can achieve improved energy efficiency in industrial operations, consequently decreasing energy costs and alleviating environmental impacts. Insufficient research exists on the utilization of energy-efficient commodities, which include additional variables—both theoretically and empirically significant—that should be integrated into the existing framework of consumer needs, thereby broadening the scope of the investigation into energy-efficient consumption [18]. Therefore, it is evident that there is a substantial need for additional research on occupant behaviors in relation to energy conservation, specifically in commercial buildings, given the global efforts to adopt sustainable building technologies. Based on observation, there is a lack of studies on the combinatorial utilization of solar panels for cost-effectiveness [19]. Further, the comprehensive selection of diverse papers effectively captures the ongoing discussions in the fields of renewable energy and energy-conserving behavior research. This aids academics and practitioners in gaining a deep comprehension of these two ideas and the possible areas of future research.

2. Literature Review

2.1. Underpinning Theories

The research employed the extended TOE framework (technology–organization–environment) in connection with the STOPE (strategy–technology–organization–people–environment) perspective [19]. STOPE theory and institutional theory, based on DiMaggio and Powell’s 1983 study, serve as underlying theories that have been further developed to establish the level of predictability of the firms’ context on energy-conserving behaviors among prosumers. Numerous studies have been conducted on energy-conserving behaviors. However, based on the author’s knowledge, this is the first research that applies the STOPE framework and institutional theory to discover prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors among industrial and commercial users. The theory explains and predicts behavior and evaluates the behavioral outcomes of prosumers’ well-being. This study offers an informative insight into the relationship between prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors and sustainable energy consumption and production, highlighting their impact on prosumers’ well-being, as they play crucial roles in achieving prosumers’ energy-conserving outcomes.

2.2. The Antecedents of Prosumers’ Energy-Conserving Behaviors

2.2.1. Strategy

Research on innovation and sociotechnical transitions in significant social sectors like energy necessitates the strategies and actions of many sorts of actors in such processes [20]. Consequently, managers need to be concerned with incremental and continuous innovation, sometimes requiring them to change their strategic direction and reorient themselves to actively implement more radical emerging innovations [21]. However, this has led them to vary roles and strategies regarding new technologies, and previous literature has distinguished the differences between institutional and techno-economic strategies [22]. The business strategy focuses on the energy-conserving behaviors used, which have various distinct business models that have been recognized in earlier studies [23]. Although it seems logical that electric utilities would favor solar models, such as the NEM scheme, that can be integrated with their current strategy, the empirical investigation has yet to be carried out to support this assumption.

2.2.2. Technology Readiness

The internal and external technologies that affect the adoption of new solar models, such as the NEM scheme in a specific business, are included in the technical factors. The technological context involves understanding the availability and characteristics of all technologies relevant to the firm, both those present within the firm and those present in the market but not yet adopted [24]. This factor is explained further on the scale that can be used to assess the technology readiness of internal customers, such as employees [25]. Therefore, this study establishes a distinction between energy-conserving technology utilized by employees as a component of their professional duties within an organizational framework. The correlation between the level of technology readiness and the implementation of energy-conserving technology within a firm’s entity holds immense significance in augmenting comprehensive endeavors toward energy preservation.

2.2.3. Organization Support

The organizational support context responds to the firm’s nature and resources, such as the organizational structure, communication processes, firm’s size, and the number of slack resources available within the organization [26]. Other aspects may include top management support, human resource capability, corporate environmental issues, and openness to new ideas [27]. The education, training, and awareness campaigns implemented to encourage the use of technology are only a few of the organizational context-related elements [28]. A motivated and skilled team provides organizational support, which has a good and significant impact on sustainability and success [29]. Therefore, good communication helps increase employee happiness, engagement, and morale while also bringing strategic support from upper management.

2.2.4. People

A “mutual interest” perspective entails benefiting the organization’s members [30]. Organizations operating in areas with a high percentage of environmentally conscious people are likely to receive more encouragement to pursue advances in renewable energy [31]. Employee involvement, training, and management support are essential factors to consider [32]. Higher subjective well-being among people in the organization is associated with greater initiative, bravery, attention to professional development, and higher performance standards [33]. Previous researchers acknowledge that the specific context of innovative behavior has received less attention than other elements regarding the individual and contextual factors that affect employee engagement [34]. People have a crucial role in energy saving through their daily actions and choices in the workplace. Therefore, by adopting energy-conserving habits and making conscious decisions about energy consumption, individuals can significantly contribute to reducing overall energy usage.

2.2.5. Environment

Environment aspects are used to quantify the impact of prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors on the adoption of solar PV NEM schemes. It has demonstrated the extent to which that community understands the value of environmental preservation. The term “environment” describes the issues that give rise to a nation’s traits and an institution’s conditions [35]. An organization’s initiatives and activities for lowering its resource consumption and operational impact on the environment can improve its environmental performance [36]. Organizational, technological, and environmental aspects influence corporate decision-making on the adoption of innovations [37]. An organization’s environment factors can either facilitate or hinder the successful implementation of energy-conserving initiatives. Awareness of environment issues such as climate change could motivate individuals and organizations to reduce their energy consumption and implement energy-saving technologies.

2.2.6. Technical Infrastructure

The most significant challenge to integrating solar energy is the high installation costs and the need for more technical understanding among those working in this industry [38]. The insufficiency of research on renewable technical infrastructure and innovation could adversely affect the utilization of renewable energy and the preservation of environmental well-being [39]. System use is also largely determined by utility pricing and tariffs [40]. The design of utility prices and tariffs is crucial for the widespread adoption of this technology. It distributes its fixed expenses. Sociotechnical hurdles are a significant obstacle to using solar PV systems, as is a lack of installation space. Solar PV installation is typically well suited for rooftop designs. The viability of solar energy technologies has been extensively researched for many years from various angles (costs, technology advancement, ideal location, environmental consequences, and others).

2.2.7. Energy Market

Renewable energy is viewed as a significant replacement for conventional energy sources. Countries are increasing their investments in renewable energy daily due to the quick depletion of fossil fuels and the environmental harm they cause. Renewable energy has been given significant importance in countries with energy import dependence as part of their strategy to diversify their energy supplies, which is viewed as the engine for achieving energy independence, particularly in countries that rely on imports of energy [41]. Various nations have implemented incentives for renewable energy in recent years. Financial incentives are the financial aid that lawmakers grant to those who use renewable energy throughout its production and usage [42]. Market mechanisms such as pricing encourage businesses and individuals to adopt energy-saving measures and technologies.

2.2.8. Weather Forecast

Direct sunlight exposure of the modules to the atmosphere is required. Therefore, environmental parameters, including irradiance, temperature, dust distribution, soiling, wind, shade, humidity, etc., significantly impact the PV module’s performance and efficiency. The effects of these elements are discussed in the following sections. Irradiance is the energy that strikes a given horizontal region at a given wavelength and time. Due to the extreme variability of solar resources, the panel’s output heavily depends on solar power or irradiance. Time resolution at the sub-second level influences the variability and grows as time resolution increases. Weather, seasonal variations, location, time of day, and solar position in the sky affect irradiance differently. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems turn sunlight that hits their surfaces directly into electricity. In other words, when light strikes them, electrical voltage is generated at the ends [43]. Further, the module draws its power straight from the sun as its energy source. Weather forecasts enable energy-saving strategies for organizations by enabling proactive adjustments to energy consumption based on anticipated weather conditions. Accurate weather forecasts enable organizations to optimize ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems, thereby reducing energy waste and lowering energy costs.

2.2.9. Government Jurisdiction

These policies change according to the countries’ geographic locations, climatic characteristics, social systems, economic conditions, and energy-related factors [44]. In this circumstance, the government should prevent a prolonged delay in the adoption of informed citizens [45]. Despite the pressing necessity for renewable energy, the government is committed to attaining its objective of embracing a diverse array of renewable energy sources and diminishing the utilization of coal [46]. The government enforces legislative measures, guidelines, and protocols on energy distribution processes, which have the potential to impact the prosumer’s inclination toward engaging in energy sharing, either favorably or unfavorably [47]. Government jurisdiction plays a role in shaping organizational energy-conserving practices through regulations, policies, and incentives. Governments could influence energy consumption patterns within organizations, ultimately impacting energy efficiency and sustainability.

2.2.10. Public Media

Before adopting technology, people want to understand it and the advantages that come with it. A range of sources, including various forms of mass media and interpersonal contact channels, may be used in the information process. Upon receiving this information, they proceed to the second phase, which involves learning about the technology [48]. Public media frequently amplifies misunderstandings when the quality or quantity of communicated information is deficient. The media often exacerbates misinformation about renewable energy due to the influence of self-interested parties. The current communication endeavors undertaken by renewable energy stakeholders reveal the continued existence of notable deficiencies in addressing public concerns [49]. Public media plays a role in fostering energy-saving behavior within organizations by raising awareness, influencing attitudes, and promoting knowledge about energy consumption. Thus, information can be delivered through various channels, including advertising and education, which are effective when tailored to specific audiences.

2.2.11. Energy-Saving Culture as a Moderator to Prosumers’ Energy-Conserving Behaviors

Knowing how much energy is used in such buildings can help people take practical steps to improve energy efficiency and spread awareness of energy usage in society [50]. The concept of energy culture could be used to design an analysis of energy demand, consumption, and the internal environment. The main components of energy culture are divided into three categories: material conditions that directly relate to energy usage, norms around the use of energy, and observable everyday practices that consume energy [51]. An energy-saving culture is a collective mindset and practices where individuals and organizations prioritize energy saving and efficiency as a core value and habit, not just as a temporary initiative, which involves making conscious choices to reduce energy consumption across various aspects of life and work, driven by a desire to preserve resources, protect the environment, and potentially save money.

2.3. The Outcome of Prosumers’ Energy-Conserving Behaviors on Sustainable Energy Consumption and Production

The sustainable consumption and production (SCP) idea was formally unveiled at the 1992 World Summit on Sustainable Development as a reaction to the sustainability issues that communities all over the world were facing at the time [52]. Beyond cleaner production and sustainable consumption, efforts should be made to achieve sustainable development [53]. In this relation, raising awareness and altering consumer behavior, beliefs, and motivations are vital components of sustainable consumption [54]. Sustainable production focuses primarily on “not only the volume and types of goods and services produced, but the process by which they are made, the natural resources that were extracted to make them, and the waste and pollution resulting from the extraction, production, and associated process resulting in a particular ‘good’ [55]. Energy-conserving behavior is a potential demand response method that might significantly regulate electricity demand but has yet to receive much attention [56]. Many factors can affect a prosumer’s behavior, including those discussed in this study. Prosumers’ energy-conserving behavior factors positively affect sustainable energy consumption and production [57]. Energy-conserving behavior is essential in cultivating energy-efficient practices.

2.4. Research Gaps

The literature reveals notable research gaps that this study intends to address. The utilization of renewable energy may potentially result in an increased level of consumption. “A solar PV system will save you money!”, “Solar energy is unlimited!”, “With a solar PV system, you protect the environment!” and “Use as much self-produced solar power as possible!” are examples of online communication by solar PV providers/installers with emphasis on the monetary benefits that customers aspire to attain through the purchase and utilization of a solar PV [58]. Therefore, if people adopt technologies like solar energy just because they believe the energy is unlimited, they may end up using more energy overall. This can lead to increased waste, create a domino effect, and contradict the goal of conserving energy, despite the use of energy-efficient solutions. Few empirical studies examining the drivers behind the solar PV NEM scheme have produced mixed results. Therefore, the motivational factors influencing prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors from solar PV NEM scheme adoption remain unresolved, especially among industrial and commercial sectors in Malaysia. Nevertheless, to mitigate the effects of business energy usage, it is imperative that both management and employees collectively contribute [59].

Further, when energy prices in the market are high, there is a significant incentive to conserve energy, but the rebound effect of re-spending is also substantial. When energy prices are high, individuals may reduce their consumption to save money. However, the savings may then be reallocated to other activities such as travel or leisure, which may generate energy use and emissions elsewhere. This rebound effect can offset the initial conservation efforts, leading to indirect energy waste. Conversely, when energy prices are low, the initiative to conserve energy is small, as is the rebound effect of re-spending [60]. When energy prices are low, the incentive to conserve energy diminishes, leading to increased consumption. This can result in greater energy waste, with excessive use potentially shifting from one area to another, further undermining sustainability efforts. Further, to the best of the researcher’s knowledge, no prior study has combined the influencing factors (antecedents) and sustainable consumption and production (outcome) of prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors on prosumers who have already adopted the solar PV NEM scheme, especially among industrial and commercial sectors.

Moreover, the research on solar PV NEM schemes and prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors among firms in Malaysia is limited [61]. There is a lack of research that has been undertaken regarding energy consumption, and elements such as human behavior were not considered [62]. Thus, there is a need for investigations to examine the moderating functions in the connections [63]. Furthermore, other authors have highlighted the importance of providing insight into the opinions and choices of the general public, as well as developing efficient strategies and actions to encourage energy conservation within firms [61]. Meanwhile, other studies have mentioned the lack of success in renewable energy despite the awareness of environmental issues [64]. Next, to analyze the risks and the consequences, the framework may also prioritize the advancement of novel methodologies to promote sustainable consumption, which includes the utilization of renewable energy, adaptability to changes, and energy consumption patterns in Malaysia, which have yet to be comprehensively understood [65,66,67].

Further investigation into occupant behaviors reveals a lack of research on the factors that influence occupant behavior in terms of energy conservation, particularly in commercial buildings [60]. Also, there is limited research on the possibility of exploring the combined use of solar panels for cost efficiency [63]. This study addresses the need for scholars to emphasize research that encompasses data on commercial buildings with energy-conserving behavior, as applied through multiple regression analysis [68]. Therefore, conducting surveys, engaging in interviews, and conducting field observations can yield indispensable perspectives on the existing patterns and routines that either hinder or promote energy-conserving interventions [69]. Besides, this study aims to address the research gap on the utilization of energy-efficient commodities by incorporating additional variables of both theoretical and empirical significance, which can be integrated into the existing framework of consumer needs, and further expanding the scope of investigation into the efficient consumption of energy [18]. Thus, conducting the study could reach more generalized populations, which may help develop initial propositions related to occupant behaviors and implications for future research and development [18,60,65].

There are other research gaps that this study discovered, such as the lack of integration and policymaking, which results in inconsistent strategies and inefficient utilization of resources, encompassing perspectives on climate, land use, energy, and water strategies [70]. Furthermore, the lack of coordination among governing bodies, combined with a lack of expertise in policy formulation and regulation enforcement, the complex nature of the regulatory and supportive structure for sustainability, and the lengthy procedures, all contribute to the delays in energy conservation and the adoption of renewable energy technology (RET) [65]. Hence, the adoption of Industry 4.0 is comparatively limited in developing nations [71]. While the global landscape is rapidly transitioning toward Industry 4.0, scholars have identified several challenges hindering its widespread implementation in these regions. It is essential to differentiate between the theoretical potential for prosumer flexibility and the actual degree of flexibility that prosumers can offer [72]. Furthermore, limited involvement and a lack of willingness to adopt renewable energy and implement energy-conserving behaviors may hinder the achievement of the national 2035 renewable energy goal and impede progress toward becoming a carbon-neutral nation by 2050 [73].

There are notable research gaps concerning energy-conserving behaviors among employees in workplace settings. This study aims to address these gaps by examining the role of occupant behavior in influencing energy use. Lack of awareness regarding energy conservation among building owners and users contributes to substantial energy consumption [74]. Employees’ energy consumption behaviors in the workplace are a prominent factor contributing to inefficient energy usage within organizational contexts, as employees are not directly responsible for the financial costs associated with their energy consumption during work hours [75]. Solar PV has a substantial beneficial association with businesses’ environmental and financial success; however, scholars identified no significant relationship between solar PV and firms’ business performance [76,77]. Therefore, this study is positioned to offer meaningful contributions by addressing the gaps and contributions to a more comprehensive understanding in this area and guiding future research.

3. Research Methodology

This research employs an exploratory and explanatory approach. When the underlying motivations, incentives, triggers, and other factors impacting the individuals involved are not yet discovered, exploratory research is undertaken [78]. The investigation of prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors on solar PV NEM schemes is a relatively new field of research, with limited knowledge in this area, particularly in the context of Malaysia. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct an exploratory study to examine and describe prosumers’ energy conservation behavior on solar PV NEM schemes in Malaysia. In order to delineate the magnitude of associations within the framework, the study incorporates an explanatory component that employs statistical methodologies to examine the connections between research variables, specifically focusing on the antecedents and outcomes of prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors in relation to the adoption of the solar PV NEM scheme, as illustrated in Figure 1.

This study examines the elements that influence prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors on the solar PV NEM scheme and their impact on sustainable energy consumption and production in accordance with the research objectives and questions. This research centers on organizations that have transitioned into prosumers and adopted the solar PV NEM schemes within their organizations, irrespective of the duration of usage and geographical coverage across Malaysia. This study posited that prosumers in the industrial and commercial sectors who have implemented the solar PV NEM scheme have background and knowledge that influence their inclination toward energy-conserving behaviors and prompt them to evaluate the resulting outcomes [79]. Moreover, many scholarly investigations have focused on examining Malaysian households or residential areas, as opposed to the commercial and industrial sectors [80]. The variables chosen for antecedents were determined by thoroughly examining existing literature and confirmed by industry experts. These variables significantly influence prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors in the solar PV NEM scheme. In other words, to identify the variables in the Malaysian context, this study also utilizes data from interviews conducted with firms in Malaysia, both commercial and industrial (selected randomly), and data from the available literature about Malaysia.

The necessity of conducting interviews arises from a lack of research on firms’ perceptions of their energy-conserving behavior among firms in Malaysia. In this study, a total of 15 interviews were performed with representatives from 15 different organizations. The 15 organizations included in this study were chosen using the purposive sampling method, and the results are presented in

Table A1. Interview findings among adopters and non-adopters of solar PV NEM system and energy-conserving behaviors.

Organization	Solar PV NEM Adoption	Designation	Size	Ownership	Issues
1	Not adopt	Manager	Small	Local	Managers have more than 1 department to handle and do not have the intention to adopt RET. Do not have an in-house specialty to handle RET. Do not perceive more advantages in adopting RET other than saving energy consumption. Implement energy-conserving behaviors in the organization.
2	Not adopt	Environmental manager	Medium	Local	The firm’s physical buildings are unsuitable for RET adoption (they need to do renovation due to the old building structure). Also, there is a concern that retrofitting will happen. Adopting energy-efficient machines, such as switching to LED and reducing heater machine usage. Perceived as very costly Implement energy-conserving behaviors in the organization
3	Not adopt	Supervisor	Small	Local	Output for production is considered small and does not need to adopt RET Do not implement energy-conserving behaviors in the organization
4, 5	Not adopt	Manager	Medium	Foreign	Concerns about costs related to adopting RET, including installation, maintenance, and parts. Tried to apply before; however, the application path is not transparent and cannot be used 100% due to different regulations. Need permission from the headquarters in France to approve any significant decision. Implement energy-conserving behaviors in the organization.
6	Not adopt	CEO	Medium	Local	Never consider adopting RET because there is little information about it. Top management never mentions adopting RET; however, if the industry is required to attend the sustainability program, they will join the events. Implement energy-conserving behaviors in the organization.
7	Not adopt	Manager	Medium	Foreign	The installer explained the benefits; however, the company needs to secure a loan, which involves a lengthy process and is not a priority, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Have the intention to adopt it in 2 years due to the projection of increased production, and think it is more beneficial to the company. Do not implement energy-conserving behaviors in the organization.
8	Not adopt	Director	Small	Local	Perceived RET is not suitable for Malaysia’s climate Believed that the return on investment will take longer than marketed to consumers. Follow the leading competitor in the industry. There is no need to report to headquarters for environmental issues; follow more on the government’s regulations. Implement energy-conserving behaviors in the organization.
9	Not adopt	Environmental manager	Medium	Foreign	Do not know about the incentives available Never considered adopting RET and currently happy with the current tariff energy bills. Do not feel it is a priority for the company in the short-term goals. Implement energy-conserving behaviors in the organization.
10	Not adopt	Manager	Small	Local	The firm’s physical buildings are not suitable for RET adoption. Solar power is currently installed only for road lamps, not for business buildings. Adopting energy-efficient machines, such as switching to LED, and purchasing energy-efficient equipment. Do not perceive it as a stable technology. Implement energy-conserving behaviors in the organization.
11	Adopted	Supervisor	Small	Local	Retrofitting occurs during installation, and the company bears the cost. Cannot use 100% renewable energy; only use 70% renewable energy sources due to regulations. Not a transparent path to applying RET Perceived as very costly Implement energy-conserving behaviors in the organization
12	Adopted	Manager	Medium	Foreign	Have own calculation on the return on investment (ROI) based on management observation; do not trust solely the installer’s presentation on ROI calculations.. Implement energy-conserving behaviors in the organization.
13	Adopted	Manager	Medium	Local	Have an in-house specialty and power up land with self-built solar panels for self-consumption Do not want to have any relations with the official installer or connect to the official grid. Implement energy-conserving behaviors in the organization.
14	Adopted	Managing Director	Medium	Local	Supervisors handle multiple departments and rely solely on the provider (installer) for maintenance and damage. Implement energy-conserving behaviors in the organization.
15	Adopted	Supervisor	Small	local	Follow the regulations by the government The application process is longer because the company needs to arrange it. Implement energy-conserving behaviors in the organization.

. Based on 15 interviews, it has been determined that only 5 organizations, accounting for 33% of the examined samples, have adopted solar PV NEM schemes as a component of their energy-conserving strategy. The remaining 10 firms lack enthusiasm for embracing the solar PV NEM schemes and are unlikely to do so. The research scope of this study has been modified based on the data obtained from exploratory interviews to ensure practicality and credibility.

A quantitative design approach was selected to test the study’s framework and hypotheses. The survey serves as a general tool for presenting the study’s explanatory and exploratory sections, such as gathering data to test hypotheses that explain the theoretical framework. A cross-sectional survey was employed in this study to collect quantitative data and perform statistical testing of the hypotheses. The survey instrument distributed for data collection is included in

Table A2. Questionnaire of The Research Study.

Variables	No.	Items	Source
		Antecedents
Prosumers’ Energy- Conserving Behaviors		My organization ________________ to conserve energy.
	ECB1	switches off the lights after use	[135]
	ECB2	reduces the number of lights used daily
	ECB3	plants trees outdoors at the office	[136]
	ECB4	adjusts the air conditioner to room temperature according to the room’s usage	[137]
	ECB5	turns off standby mode on electric appliances	[138]
	ECB6	buys products made of recycled material	[139]
	ECB7	uses material that can be recycled
	ECB8	ensures employees commute by ride-sharing for business operations	[140]
	ECB9	purchases regional products	[141]
	ECB10	ensures that employees use public transport	[142]
	ECB11	avoids printing	[143]
	ECB12	avoids wasting water
	ECB13	avoids wasting natural resources
	ECB14	uses energy-saving equipment	[144]
		My organization _______________________________
Strategy	SF1	encourages energy saving	[145]
	SF2	places much value on energy-saving
	SF3	actively committed to energy-saving
	SF4	believes that having a clear goal and strategy has greater importance than leadership	[146]
	SF5	believes that having a clear goal and strategy has greater importance than political commitment
	SF6	believes that leadership has greater importance than political commitment
Technology Readiness		My organization _______________________________
	TR1	uses technology for more control over daily business operations	[147]
	TR2	uses technology for more freedom of mobility in business operations
	TR3	uses new technology innovation for a better quality of business operations
	TR4	uses technology for more productivity
	TR5	believes that the readiness of information has greater importance than technical competency	[146]
	TR6	believes that the readiness of information has greater importance than security and privacy
	TR7	believes that technical competency has greater importance than security and privacy
Organization Support		My organization _______________________________
	OF1	ensures good technical support for the energy-saving system	[148]
	OF2	ensures extensive support to help with the problem-related energy-saving system
	OF3	really keen to see that people are happy with using the energy-saving system
	OF4	always supports and encourages the use of energy-saving systems
	OF5	has a lack of interest in achieving benefits with the use of the energy-saving system
	OF6	believes that carrying capacity has greater importance than organizational compatibility	[146]
People		My organization _______________________________
	PF1	assures that we have energy-saving knowledge	[149]
	PF2	assures that we have training and education in energy-saving
	PF3	assures that we are involved with stakeholders in energy-saving initiatives
	PF4	believes that the sufficiency of skilled workers has greater importance than user support
	PF5	recruits staff with high levels of skills
	PF6	believes that the sufficiency of the skilled workers has greater importance than the stakeholders’ involvement
		My organization _______________________________
Environment	EF1	faces technological pressures from customers	[150]
	EF2	faces technological pressures from suppliers
	EF3	faces technological pressures from industry partners
	EF4	faces technological pressures from a marketplace for better quality of products
	EF5	has appropriate infrastructural development to increase energy-saving implementation
	EF6	receives financial assistance from the government for energy-saving technology initiatives
Technical Infrastructure		My organization _________ related to the energy-conserving solar PV NEM scheme.
	TIF1	believes hardware/software can accommodate the installation	[151]
	TIF2	believes hardware/software can support business growth in the future
	TIF3	believes hardware/software can protect the data privacy of business operations	[152]
	TIF4	believes hardware/software can easily be adapted to changing needs
	TIF5	believes that the hardware/software is based on well-known products	[151]
	TIF6	believes that the hardware is based on current technological trends
		My organization _________ related to the energy-conserving solar PV NEM scheme
Energy Market	EMF1	agrees that the installation cost is affordable	[152]
	EMF2	agrees the cost of the battery for energy surplus is affordable	Self-Constructed
	EMF3	agrees to reduce electricity costs	[152]
	EMF4	believes that subsidies or incentives offered in the market are attractive	[153]
	EMF5	believes that subsidies or incentives offered in the market are attractive	[152]
	EMF6	agrees that the lengths of contracts offered in the market are attractive
Weather Forecast		My organization _________ related to the energy-conserving solar PV NEM scheme.
	WFF1	believes that cloudy weather events are adequate to secure the energy supply	[154]
	WFF2	believes that sunny weather events increase the amount available to secure the energy supply
	WFF3	believes that extreme weather events decrease the amount available to secure the energy supply
	WFF4	believes that the operation of the business relies on weather conditions
	WFF5	believes that the weather forecast is important
	WFF6	believes that the usage of weather intelligence is important
		My organization _________ related to the energy-conserving solar PV NEM scheme.
Government Jurisdiction	GJ1	believes in transparent legislation	[155]
	GJ2	complies with national environmental regulations	[156]
	GJ3	complies with regional environmental regulations
	GJ4	believes that there are high levels of political interference	Self-construct
	GJ5	believes that the process involves multi-tiered government approvals
Public Media		My organization believes that information from _________________
	PM1	the general public’s opinions inspire us to save energy	[157]
	PM2	television inspires us to save energy
	PM3	newspapers inspire us to save energy
	PM4	social media inspires us to save energy
	PM5	websites inspire us to save energy
	PM6	magazines inspire us to save energy
	PM7	secondary education inspires us to save energy
	PM8	university/college education inspires us to save energy	Self-Construct
Moderator (Antecedents)
Energy- Saving Culture		In my organization, energy-saving culture is about ______________
	ESC1	everyone in the organization is responsible for energy savings	[145]
	ESC2	team collaboration emphasizing energy savings (e.g., reducing paperwork, reducing commuting)
	ESC3	high levels of motivation of the employees to follow energy recommendations
	ESC4	clear instructions for energy savings at the workplace
	ESC5	sufficient information about the importance of energy savings
	ESC6	sufficient finances to invest in energy-efficient technology
	ESC7	lack of personnel focused on energy efficiency
Outcome
Economic		My organization achieves significant results in the economic impact aspects, such as ___________
	E1	improving sales	[158]
	E2	increasing productivity
	E3	reducing operational costs
	E4	increasing market share
	E5	improving revenue
	E6	improving disposal costs
	E7	offering inter-generational continuity of business
Environmental		My organization achieves significant results in the environmental impact aspects, such as ______
	EN1	reducing carbon emissions	[159]
	EN2	reducing wastewater for irrigation
	EN3	improving water use efficiency
	EN4	improving the reduction in consumption of hazardous/harmful/toxic materials
	EN5	improving energy consumption	[160]
	EN6	improving overall environmental performance	[161]
Governance		My organization achieves significant results in the governance impact aspects, such as ________
	G1	aligned with business objectives and business strategy	[162]
	G2	spending reflects the business strategy
	G3	obtains energy performance reports
	G4	board has a clear view of investment from a risk and return perspective	[163]
	G5	has effective use for business growth	[164]
	G6	has effective use for resources utilization
		My organization achieves significant results in the social impact aspects, such as _________
Social	SO1	countering bribery	[165]
	SO2	improved health of the employees
	SO3	recognizing indigenous people’s rights
	SO4	significantly improving product image
	SO5	improving supplier relations
	SO6	increased employees’ satisfaction
	SO7	significantly improving the relations with community stakeholders (e.g., NGOs and community activists)
Technical		My organization achieves significant results in the technical impact aspects, such as ___________
	T1	improving quality management	[166]
	T2	increasing customer satisfaction
	T3	decreasing the number of complaints
	T4	increasing market performance
	T5	minimizing defects of productivity
	T6	increasing labor productivity
Moderator (Outcome)
		The installer provides _________ related to the energy-conserving solar PV NEM scheme
Provider- Consumer Relationship	PCR1	fast solutions to any issues	[167]
	PCR2	secure protection of our company’s information
	PCR3	professional attitude
	PCR4	highly technical skills
	PCR5	high levels of knowledge
	PCR6	good after-installation services

. The target population for this study is those organizations from Malaysia’s industrial and commercial sectors that have adopted the solar PV NEM schemes. Organizations are considered to be actors in diffusing or commercializing the solar PV NEM schemes. The study’s intended respondents, those in managerial positions and above, will each serve as a single representative of the firm. Chief executive officers (CEOs) or managing directors (MDs) and managers of the industrial and commercial sectors would have more profound insights into the broad phenomena of sustainable business practices [81].

The research encompasses a total of 18 primary constructs. The factors include strategy, technology readiness, organization support, people, environment, technical infrastructure, energy market, weather forecast, government jurisdiction, and public media. These variables are conceptualized as the antecedents of the study. Conversely, the outcome of prosumers’ sustainable energy consumption and production consists of economic, environmental, social, governance, and technical factors. Moreover, there are 2 moderators in the study. The moderating variable for the antecedent is the energy-saving culture (ESC), and the moderating variable for the outcome is the provider–consumer relationship (PCR). Therefore, this study identifies the variables and dimensions of the main constructs based on a thorough literature review that clarifies the interrelated framework. The theoretical framework, as illustrated in Figure 2, outlines the study’s variables and their relationships. Meanwhile,

Table 2. Formulated hypotheses of this study.

No.	Hypothesis Statement
Antecedents
H1	Strategy positively influences PECB.
H2	Technology positively influences PECB.
H3	Organization positively influences PECB.
H4	People positively influences PECB.
H5	Environment positively influences PECB.
H6	Technical Infrastructure positively influences PECB.
H7	Energy Market positively influences PECB.
H8	Weather Forecast positively influences PECB.
H9	Government Jurisdiction positively influences PECB.
H10	Public Media positively influences PECB.
Moderator (Antecedents)
H11	ESC will strengthen the positive relationship between Strategy and PECB.
H12	ESC will strengthen the positive relationship between Technology and PECB.
H13	ESC will strengthen the positive relationship between Organization and PECB.
H14	ESC will strengthen the positive relationship between People and PECB.
H15	ESC will strengthen the positive relationship between Environment and PECB.
H16	ESC will strengthen the positive relationship between Technical Infrastructure and PECB.
H17	ESC will strengthen the positive relationship between Energy Market and PECB.
H18	ESC will strengthen the positive relationship between Weather Forecast and PECB.
H19	ESC will strengthen the positive relationship between Government Jurisdiction and PECB.
H20	ESC will strengthen the positive relationship between Public Media and PECB.
Outcome
H21	PECB positively influences Economic.
H22	PECB positively influences Environmental.
H23	PECB positively influences Governance.
H24	PECB positively influences Socials.
H25	PECB positively influences Technical.
Moderator (Outcome)
H26	PCR will strengthen the positive relationship between PECB and Economic.
H27	PCR will strengthen the positive relationship between PECB and Environmental.
H28	PCR will strengthen the positive relationship between PECB and Governance.
H29	PCR will strengthen the positive relationship between PECB and Social.
H30	PCR will strengthen the positive relationship between PECB and Technical.

Note: PECB: Prosumers’ Energy-Conserving Behaviors; ESC: Energy-Saving Culture; PCR: Provider–Consumer Relationship.

summarizes the hypotheses developed and examined in this study.

4. Findings

4.1. Response Rate

For this research, organizations such as commercial and industrial are the analysis unit. A total of 1187 questionnaires were sent to respondents through email. Following the follow-up emails and calls, the researcher collected 345 responses electronically. The overall response is 32.00%. The researcher believes only 372 questionnaires can be used due to their completeness and appropriate designation or position of respondents representing the firms. The response rate is typically found to be “in the neighborhood of 20%” and it has fallen over the past ten years [82,83]. In this regard, it is well known that small and medium business owners respond to surveys by mail or email at “meagre rates.” Additionally, companies are typically hesitant to share information [84]. However, companies willing to share information for the collective welfare yielded advantages for their interests and the broader societal well-being. This study’s response rate is 32.00%, and the usable questionnaire response rate is 31.33%, which is considered satisfactory in light of the mentioned limitations.

The frequency distribution method was employed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the participants’ attributes and to conduct demographic profiling of respondents. From the 372 samples, 233 (62.6%) respondents were male and 139 (37.4%) were female. It depicts a standard setting in which men acquire a more prominent position than women as the head of the family and leader in the organization. Respectively, the majority of respondents are between 40 and 49 years old, with 191 respondents (51.3%). Meanwhile, the majority of university graduates have a degree, which is 271 (72.8%). On the other hand, the majority of designations in the company of the respondents are managers, with 280 (75.3%). For the majority of respondents, the number of years working with the solar PV NEM scheme user is 11 to 20 years, with 181 respondents (48.7%). The majority of positions in the company are managers, represented by 280 respondents (75.3%).

On the other hand, most of the respondents’ entities are in the industrial, food, beverage, and tobacco sectors, with 32 respondents (8.6%), and the lowest number of respondents is in government and government-related sectors (GLC), with 2 (0.5%). Meanwhile, for years that firms have operated since their establishment, the highest is more than 30 years, with 142 firms (38.2%), and the lowest is 5 years or less, with 14 (3.8%). The highest number of employees is 76 to 200, with 128 firms (34.4%), and the lowest is 5 or fewer employees, with 20 (5.4%). As for the firm’s location, the majority are from Selangor, with 104 (28.0%), and the lowest are from Putrajaya, Perlis and Sabah, with 3 (0.8%) each. Further,

Table 3. The NEM scheme users’ profile and the respondents’ demographic profile.

Category	Sub-Category	Sample (n = 372) Frequency	Percentage
Entity of Industry or Commercial	Industry: Non-metallic Mineral Products	9	2.4%
	Industry: Basic Metal and Fabricated Metal Products	24	6.5%
	Industry: Petroleum, Chemical, Rubber, and Plastic	27	7.3%
	Industry: Electrical and Electronic Products	24	6.5%
	Industry: Construction	8	2.2%
	Industry: Mining: Crude Oil and Condensate	2	0.5%
	Industry: Agriculture	9	2.4%
	Industry: Transportation Equipment and Other Manufacturers	30	8.1%
	Industry: Food, Beverage, and Tobacco	32	8.6%
	Industry: Textile, Wearing Apparel, Leather, and Footwear	6	1.6%
	Industry: Wood, Furniture, Paper Products, and Printing	23	6.2%
	Industry: Others	8	2.2%
	Commercial: Wholesale and Retail Trade	35	9.4%
	Commercial: Education and Arts	8	2.2%
	Commercial: Food and Beverages	19	5.1%
	Commercial: Accommodation	7	1.9%
	Commercial: Health	6	1.6%
	Commercial: Information and Communication	7	1.9%
	Commercial: Transportation and Storage	23	6.2%
	Government	2	0.5%
	Government-Related (GLC)	2	0.5%
	Commercial: Entertainment and Recreation	5	1.3%
	Commercial: Professional and Real Estate Agent	21	5.6%
	Commercial: Others	35	9.4%
	Total Industrial	202	54.5%
	Total Commercial	170	45.6%
Years Firms Operate Since Establishment	5 years or less	14	3.8%
	6–10 years	36	9.7%
	11–20 years	86	23.1%
	21–30 years	94	25.3%
	More than 30 years	142	38.2%
Number of Employees	5 or fewer	20	5.4%
	6–75	119	32.0%
	76–200	128	34.4%
	More than 200	105	28.2%
Location of Firms	Kedah	32	8.6%
	Pulau Pinang	54	14.5%
	Selangor	104	28.0%
	Putrajaya	1	0.3%
	Perlis	1	0.3%
	Perak	22	5.9%
	Kuala Lumpur	74	19.9%
	Negeri Sembilan	10	2.7%
	Johor	50	13.4%
	Terengganu	4	1.1%
	Sabah	1	0.3%
	Melaka	8	2.2%
	Pahang	8	2.2%
	Kelantan	3	0.8%
Type of Building	Shop Lot	48	12.9%
	Warehouse	26	7.0%
	Hotel	3	0.8%
	High-Rise Office	34	9.1%
	Industrial Land	13	3.5%
	Factory	196	52.7%
	Agriculture Land	8	2.2%
	Others	44	11.8%
Gender	Male	233	62.6%
	Female	139	37.4%
Age	20–29	5	1.3%
	30–39	58	15.6%
	40–49	191	51.3%
	50–59	100	27.0%
	60 and above	18	4.8%
Education Level	Secondary and below	6	1.6%
	Diploma	36	9.7%
	Degree	271	72.8%
	Master and above	59	15.9%
Designation	Supervisor or Executive	21	5.6%
	Manager	280	75.3%
	CEO and above	71	19.1%
Number of Years with The Firm	10 years and below	145	38.9%
	11–20 years	181	48.7%
	21–30 years	38	10.2%
	31 years and above	8	2.2%

demonstrates the profile of NEM scheme prosumers among firms and the demographic profile of respondents.

4.2. Descriptive Analysis

The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 27 and SmartPLS version 4.0.9.6. Figure 3 (antecedents) and Figure 4 (outcome) present the measurement path model outcome generated from the Smart PLS. The results of the path coefficient reveal multicollinearity between variables, which indicates the direct effects of each variable on another. This study presents the means and standard deviations of the antecedents: strategy, technology readiness, organization support, people, environment, energy market, weather forecast, government jurisdiction, and public media that influence the prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors. The result reveals that Environment 4.82 (SD: 0.98) and Organization Support 4.49 (SD: 0.71) have a higher influence with a high mean value, followed by Strategy 4.48 (SD: 0.77), Technology Readiness 4.48 (SD: 0.75), Weather Forecast 4.44 (SD: 0.82), Government Jurisdiction 4.41 (SD: 0.78), People 4.38 (SD: 0.78), and Energy Market 4.33 (SD: 0.87). Technical Infrastructure and Public Media have the same means with 4.28 (SD: 0.89, SD: 0.84), respectively. Therefore, from the findings above, all variables show a positive perception of each variable among the respondents. Overall, the highest mean value is 4.82, indicating that the environment has a higher influence on prosumers’ energy-conserving behavior. Meanwhile, among the respondents, technical infrastructure and public media issues received less attention.

Fourteen items were measured on the prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors among solar PV NEM scheme users. The average mean score is 4.45 ± 0.78 on the ‘frequency’ scale. The results revealed that the ECB1 (my organization switches off lights after use to conserve energy) had the highest mean value of 4.76 (SD: 0.528). On the contrary, item ECB10 (my organization ensures that employees use public transport to conserve energy) had the lowest mean score of 4.09 (SD: 1.041).

Further, seven items were measured for the energy-saving culture as a moderator for prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors (antecedents). The average mean score value is 4.36 ± 0.84 on the ‘agree’ scale. The results revealed that the ESC1 (in my organization, energy-saving culture is about everyone in the organization being responsible for energy savings) had the highest mean value of 4.61 (SD: 0.607). On the contrary, item ESC7 (in my organization, energy-saving culture is about a lack of personnel focused on energy efficiency) had the lowest mean score of 3.93 (SD: 1.223). Therefore, most firms agreed that they have focused on energy efficiency in their organizations.

Six items measured the provider–consumer relationship as a moderator for prosumers’ sustainable energy consumption and production (outcome). The average mean score is 4.4 ± 0.71 on the ‘agree’ scale. The results revealed that the PCR1 (the installer provides fast solutions to any issues related to the solar PV NEM scheme) had the highest mean value of 4.59 (SD: 0.661). On the contrary, item PCR3 (the installer provides a professional attitude related to the solar PV NEM scheme) had the lowest mean score of 3.94 (SD: 0.894). This study’s means and standard deviations of sustainable energy consumption and production are economic, environmental, social, governance, and technical factors. The highest impact of the outcome is environmental and social, 4.36 (SD: 0.86; SD: 0.84). Meanwhile, the lowest mean is governance at 4.30 (SD: 0.80). Therefore, all variables are perceived positively by the respondents. Overall, the highest mean value is 4.36, indicating that environmental and social factors significantly impact the outcome of prosumers with regard to sustainable energy consumption and production. Meanwhile, governance is a less-impacted outcome among the respondents.

4.3. Indicator Reliability and Outer Loadings

The indication reliability is assessed once each internal consistency reliability has been verified, indicating that all items meet the threshold value established with all AVE scores above 0.5, except for energy-saving culture as a moderator, demonstrating satisfactory indicator reliability (range from 0.505 to 0.774) [85]. The researcher decided not to drop the energy-saving culture compared to other tests. The construct’s convergent validity remains acceptable if the average variance extracted (AVE) is below 0.5 and the composite reliability (CR) exceeds 0.6 [86]. As a result, none of the objects were dropped. The indicators that exhibit loadings ranging from 0.40 to 0.708 should be considered for elimination if their removal results in an improvement in internal consistency reliability or convergent validity surpassing the recommended threshold value [87]. Furthermore, it is worth considering the significance of outer loading > 0.5 with the item’s strong correlation [88]. This study’s findings suggest that all items surpassed the predetermined threshold except for O5, ESC1, ESC7, EN6, and TL1, which were excluded due to their failure to meet the minimum criteria set out by outer loading.

4.4. Convergent Validity

It is imperative to verify the loading of each item before evaluating the convergent and discriminant validity [89]. Internal consistency reliability or composite reliability, convergent validity, and indicator reliability are all tested in the evaluation of reflective measurement models. First, composite reliability (CR) was more appropriate for PLS-SEM and was used to analyze the reliability of the indicators for each construct. The range of the composite reliability is 0 to 1 [90]. Higher values suggest higher reliability; any value between 0.6 and 0.70 is considered acceptable in an exploratory study. Values between 0.70 and 0.9 can be considered satisfactory [90]. In addition, actual reliability typically lies between composite reliability and Cronbach’s alpha. The degree to which a measure correlates favorably with other measures of the same construct is its convergent validity [91]. Two approaches were considered to establish convergent validity: item loading (or indicator reliability) and AVE. High item loading denotes nearly identical linked indications within the same construct. The measurement model for the investigation utilizing the Smart-PLS surface is shown in Table 3.

According to a generally recognized rule of thumb, the standardized item loadings must be 0.708 or above to show that a latent variable can represent at least 50% of the variance of each indicator [90]. The mean value of squared loadings of the indicators linked to the construct is also used to define AVE. The construct can adequately explain more than half of its indications when the AVE value is 0.50 or above. Additionally, 0.70 is typically acceptable because it is considered near 0.708 [91]. Table 3 presents the findings for the reliability and convergent validity evaluation of reflection measurements. The study’s initial algorithm test revealed that several reflected indicators have loading values less than 0.70. In the interim, the build should permanently exclude indications with extremely low outer loadings below 0.40 [91,92].

Indicators with loadings less than 0.50 should be eliminated, especially when eliminating the item increases composite reliability and AVE [90]. For this study, OS5 measurements do have indications of low loading. The reflected indicators in this investigation were eliminated from the measuring model. The loading for each sign, the composite reliability, and the AVE for each path model construct are shown in Table 3. Reflective indicators with loadings between 0.40 and 0.7 are acceptable because this study used self-structured measurement items [88]. Composite reliability (CR) for all constructs is above 0.70; the highest CR for the overall variable is the relationship of both moderators for antecedents and outcome with 1.000 (CR: 1.000), and the lowest value is energy-saving culture (CR: 0.833). The CR report’s findings support that all constructs have high levels of internal consistency with reflecting indicators. In terms of convergent validity, the results of the AVE are also deemed satisfactory. In this relation, all constructs have an AVE value of more than 0.50, suggesting that most constructs can explain more than half of the variance. In this case, the highest AVE is for the antecedent environment (AVE: 0.710) and energy market (AVE: 0.711). Meanwhile, the highest AVE technical (AVE: 0.774) is for the outcome.

4.5. Examine the Structural Model for Collinearity Issues

These assessments were carried out to validate the relationships proposed in the study model. The structural model’s assessment determines the model’s capabilities to predict one or more target constructs. The structural model’s initial step is to evaluate any collinearity issues [90]. Before running a latent variable analysis in the structural model, it is critical to take precautions against construct collinearity problems. Checking for collinearity will ensure objective regression of the results before evaluating the relationship’s structure. The VIF value is used to determine the collinearity. Collinearity issues can happen at VIF values as low as 3–5, although they are more likely to occur at VIF values above 5 [93]. The VIF number should ideally be below or near 3 or 3.3 [91,94]. Meanwhile, 5 is the assessment’s cutoff value [95]. All VIF values for the constructs in this study, as shown in

Table 4. The summary of the results of reflective measurement models and the variance inflation factor (VIF) for all indicators.

Variable	Items	VIF	Indicator Reliability	Convergent Validity	Internal Consistency Reliability
			Outer Loadings	AVE	Composite Reliability	Cronbach’s Alpha
			>0.50	>0.50	>0.70	>0.70
Strategy	S1	1.921	0.777	0.668	0.923	0.901
	S2	2.072	0.810
	S3	2.284	0.837
	S4	2.337	0.829
	S5	2.232	0.814
	S6	2.569	0.835
Technology Readiness	T1	2.417	0.796	0.664	0.933	0.916
	T2	2.446	0.830
	T3	2.475	0.810
	T4	2.537	0.835
	T5	2.166	0.801
	T6	2.690	0.827
	T7	2.522	0.805
Organization Support	O1	2.586	0.862	0.692	0.918	0.888
	O2	2.053	0.805
	O3	2.337	0.830
	O4	2.508	0.848
	O6	1.771	0.788
People	P1	2.054	0.820	0.682	0.915	0.883
	P2	2.266	0.840
	P3	2.378	0.833
	P4	1.919	0.800
	P5	1.952	0.795
Environment	E1	2.956	0.875	0.710	0.936	0.918
	E2	2.158	0.761
	E3	3.390	0.876
	E4	3.390	0.886
	E5	2.561	0.840
	E6	2.205	0.812
Technical Infrastructure	TI1	3.218	0.855	0.701	0.933	0.914
	TI2	2.992	0.843
	TI3	2.947	0.857
	TI4	3.076	0.869
	TI5	2.872	0.852
	TI6	1.810	0.741
Energy Market	EM1	2.410	0.842	0.711	0.936	0.918
	EM2	3.025	0.851
	EM3	3.367	0.856
	EM4	3.538	0.886
	EM5	2.814	0.853
	EM6	2.157	0.766
Government Jurisdiction	GJ1	2.195	0.842	0.641	0.899	0.859
	GJ2	1.713	0.753
	GJ3	2.344	0.850
	GJ4	1.644	0.747
	GJ5	1.966	0.805
Weather Forecast	WF1	2.205	0.803	0.636	0.913	0.885
	WF2	1.837	0.759
	WF3	1.704	0.730
	WF4	1.820	0.754
	WF5	2.449	0.824
	WF6	3.087	0.878
Public Media	PM1	2.191	0.779	0.505	0.890	0.862
	PM2	1.851	0.692
	PM3	2.012	0.681
	PM4	2.738	0.820
	PM5	1.502	0.597
	PM6	1.791	0.624
	PM7	1.848	0.735
	PM8	2.005	0.730
Prosumers’ Energy- Conserving Behaviors	PECB1	2.298	0.721	0.563	0.947	0.940
	PECB2	2.737	0.774
	PECB3	2.250	0.756
	PECB4	2.110	0.730
	PECB5	2.463	0.792
	PECB6	2.929	0.813
	PECB7	3.262	0.820
	PECB8	3.005	0.793
	PECB9	2.529	0.796
	PECB10	3.262	0.805
	PECB11	1.701	0.636
	PECB12	1.793	0.637
	PECB13	1.951	0.696
	PECB14	1.946	0.704
Energy- Saving Culture	ESC2	1.374	0.657	0.509	0.833	0.758
	ESC3	1.379	0.692
	ESC4	1.554	0.752
	ESC5	1.301	0.633
	ESC6	1.397	0.701
Provider Consumer Relationship	PCR1	1.566	0.705	0.512	0.863	0.810
	PCR2	1.591	0.712
	PCR3	1.328	0.683
	PCR4	1.585	0.737
	PCR5	1.481	0.721
	PCR6	1.588	0.735
Economic	EC1	4.149	0.904	0.702	0.944	0.930
	EC2	2.792	0.845
	EC3	1.905	0.750
	EC4	3.943	0.901
	EC5	3.095	0.868
	EC6	2.887	0.858
	EC7	1.876	0742
Environmental	EN1	1.859	0.798	0.649	0.902	0.865
	EN2	1.997	0.818
	EN3	2.108	0.831
	EN4	1.941	0.811
	EN5	1.730	0.768
Social	SO1	2.104	0.798	0.637	0.924	0.904
	SO2	2.488	0.830
	SO3	1.534	0.650
	SO4	2.452	0.825
	SO5	2.320	0.814
	SO6	2.390	0.828
	SO7	2.303	0.825
Governance	G1	2.016	0.795	0.667	0.923	0.900
	G2	2.189	0.821
	G3	2.445	0.848
	G4	1.868	0.774
	G5	2.132	0.811
	G6	2.471	0.850
Technical	TL2	2.962	0.883	0.774	0.945	0.927
	TL3	2.828	0.875
	TL4	3.261	0.895
	TL5	2.653	0.861
	TL6	3.116	0.885

Note: CR: composite reliability; AVE: average variance extracted. O5 was deleted due to low loadings, and T1, EN6, and P6 were deleted due to HTMT of more than 0.90.

, have no collinearity issues.

4.6. Discriminant Validity

The threshold value of 0.90 is used if the path model comprises conceptually identical components [96]. In other words, an HTMT score greater than 0.90 indicates a lack of discriminant validity. Meanwhile, when the path model’s constructs are conceptually more distinct, a lower and more conservative threshold value of 0.85 becomes warranted [96]. The HTMT can be applied as a criterion or a statistical test to evaluate discriminant validity in one of two ways. In this case, discriminant validity is challenging if the HTMT value is higher than HTMT.85 or HTMT.90, values of 0.85 or 0.90, respectively [97,98]. The second criterion is to test the null hypothesis (H0: HTMT ≥ 1) with the alternative hypothesis (H1: HTMT < 1) [96]. If the confidence interval contains the value of 1 (i.e., H0 holds), this implies a lack of discriminant validity. For this study, cross-loading for high HTMT is more than 0.10 for each item; therefore, no item was removed [99].

Discriminant validity is observed when the heterotrait–monotrait ratio of correlations (HTMT) exceeds a threshold of 0.900; a value of HTMT greater than 0.900 indicates a deficiency in discriminant validity [100]. Further, if HTMT is higher than 0.9, bootstrapping is applied with the HTMT statistics to derive the standard errors for the estimates used to develop bootstrap confidence intervals [101]. A confidence interval of 1 indicates a lack of discriminant validity [102]. However, the discriminant validity is considered acceptable when the result is outside the confidence interval range. For HTMT 0.90 and above, bootstrapping with 10,000 samples is applied, and cross-loadings between the variables for discriminant validity are above 0.1.

Table 5. Assessment of discriminant validity (HTMT ratio) antecedent.

Variable	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22
1. EM
2. ESC	0.638
3. EF	0.690	0.527
4. GJ	0.807	0.623	0.643
5. OSF	0.802	0.691	0.679	0.828
6. PF	0.796	0.705	0.622	0.848	0.928
7. PECB	0.711	0.741	0.609	0.727	0.761	0.788
8. PM	0.694	0.639	0.536	0.778	0.777	0.792	0.626
9. SF	0.785	0.656	0.580	0.807	0.880	0.865	0.763	0.706
10. TI	0.879	0.667	0.796	0.837	0.870	0.846	0.762	0.699	0.787
11. TRF	0.801	0.682	0.640	0.818	0.904	0.876	0.760	0.754	0.889	0.850
12. WF	0.833	0.673	0.693	0.906	0.877	0.868	0.792	0.802	0.836	0.891	0.883
13. ESCxPF	0.527	0.858	0.446	0.484	0.610	0.590	0.621	0.451	0.588	0.565	0.582	0.536
14. ESCxWF	0.500	0.848	0.487	0.510	0.586	0.596	0.608	0.501	0.566	0.577	0.563	0.571	0.878
15. ESCxPM	0.515	0.843	0.451	0.511	0.558	0.548	0.539	0.484	0.594	0.536	0.539	0.551	0.863	0.846
16. ESCxOSF	0.514	0.819	0.416	0.456	0.627	0.582	0.560	0.441	0.586	0.550	0.561	0.504	0.922	0.838	0.806
17. ESCxTI	0.517	0.870	0.410	0.462	0.589	0.576	0.616	0.453	0.551	0.566	0.572	0.528	0.915	0.892	0.800	0.890
18. ESCxEF	0.503	0.790	0.370	0.476	0.568	0.580	0.581	0.490	0.561	0.524	0.576	0.570	0.843	0.858	0.801	0.792	0.858
19. ESCxGJ	0.487	0.791	0.426	0.525	0.557	0.564	0.575	0.494	0.615	0.527	0.565	0.538	0.818	0.865	0.875	0.769	0.778	0.746
20. ESCxEM	0.594	0.778	0.406	0.438	0.566	0.552	0.548	0.450	0.558	0.532	0.531	0.471	0.818	0.765	0.754	0.799	0.834	0.754	0.708
21. ESCxTRF	0.503	0.823	0.439	0.482	0.585	0.578	0.610	0.443	0.601	0.557	0.601	0.501	0.902	0.832	0.783	0.868	0.874	0.764	0.781	0.770
22. ESCxSF	0.503	0.757	0.406	0.497	0.582	0.556	0.622	0.464	0.643	0.511	0.571	0.482	0.835	0.772	0.781	0.822	0.775	0.701	0.830	0.748	0.863

Note: EM = Energy Market, ESC = Energy Saving Culture, EF = Environment Factor, GJ = Government Jurisdiction, OSF = Organization Support Factor, PF = People Factor, PECB = Prosumer’s Energy Conserving Behaviours, PM = Public Media, SF = Strategy Factor, TI = Technical Infrastructure, TRF = Technology Readiness Factor, WF = Weather Forecast, ESCxPF = Energy Saving Culture × People Factor, ESCxWF = Energy Saving Culture × Weather Forecast, ESCxPM = Energy Saving Culture × Public & Media, ESCxOSF = Energy Saving Culture × Organization Support Factor, ESCxTI = Energy Saving Culture & Technical In-frastructure, ESCxEF = Energy Saving Culture × Environment Factor, ESCxGJ = Energy Saving Culture × Government Jurisdiction, ESCxEM = Energy Saving Culture × Energy Market, ESCxPF = Energy Saving Culture × Technology Readiness Factor, ESCxSF = Energy Saving Culture × Strategy Factor.

and

Table 6. Assessment of Discriminant Validity (HTMT Ratio) Outcome.

Variable	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
1. Economic
2. Environmental	0.879
3. Governance	0.906	0.930
4. PECB	0.782	0.793	0.816
5. PCR	0.715	0.655	0.646	0.601
6. Social	0.850	0.826	0.862	0.793	0.505
7. Technical	0.891	0.871	0.918	0.783	0.644	0.898
8. PCRxPECB	0.524	0.525	0.534	0.586	0.720	0.3960	0.496

Note: PECB = Prosumer’s Energy-Conserving Behaviors, PCR = Provider-Consumer Relationship, PCRx PECB = Provider-Consumer Relationship × Prosumer’s Energy-Conserving Behaviors.

illustrate the assessment of HTMT for antecedents and outcomes. The path model construct from PF to OSF, WF to GJ, TRF to OSF, G to EC, G to EN, and the path model construct from T to EC are considered satisfactory.

4.7. Examine the Path Coefficient, Hypotheses Testing of Direct Relationship, and Coefficient of Determination (R²)

A hypothesis is represented by each path connecting two latent variables in the structural model. Based on the findings shown in Table 6, path coefficients have a standardized value, approximately between −1 and +1 (values from −0.004 to 0.742). Variable prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors, influenced by Strategy, Technology, Organization, People, Environment, Technical Infrastructure, Energy Market, Weather Forecast, Government Jurisdiction, and Public Media, have an R² value of 0.714. This would mean that such variables can explain a 71.4% change in prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors. Meanwhile, the outcome includes economic, environmental, governance, social, and technical factors. First, variable Economic has the highest R² value of 0.626, and prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors can explain a 62.6% change in the economic factor. Second, variable Environmental has an R² value of 0.559, and prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors can explain a 55.9% change in the environment. Third, variable Governance has an R² value of 0.606, and prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors can explain a 60.6% change in governance. Fourth, variable Social has an R² value of 0.558, and prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors can explain a 55.8% change in the social factor. Fifth, variable Technical has an R² value of 0.585, which can explain a 58.5% change in the technical factor.

Upon further assessment, strategy (β = 0.150, t-value = 1.750, p < 0.05), weather forecast (β = 0239, t-value = 3.191, p < 0.01), energy-saving culture as a moderator between strategy and prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors (β = −0.181, t-value = 1.775, p < 0.05), and energy-saving culture as a moderator between public media and prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors (β = 0.197, t-value = 1.828, p < 0.05) were significantly related to prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors. Further examination shows that technology and public media have a negative impact on prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors. In this respect, energy-saving culture as a moderator for strategy, people, environment, technical infrastructure, and weather forecast negatively impacts prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors. Hence, for the outcome, the provider–consumer relationship as a moderator for prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors has a negative impact on governance.

Table 7. Hypothesis Testing.

H.	Relationship	t-Value	p-Value	Significance	f2	f2 Effect Size	R2	Relationship	Q2	Results
	Antecedents
H1	Strategy -> PECB	1.750	0.040	Significant	0.018	None	0.714	Substantial	0.543	Large
H2	Technology -> PECB	0.251	0.401	Not significant	0.000	None
H3	Organization -> PECB	0.127	0.449	Not significant	0.000	None
H4	People -> PECB	2.162	0.015	Significant	0.020	Small
H5	Environment -> PECB	1.516	0.065	Not significant	0.010	None
H6	Technical Infrastructure -> PECB	1.064	0.144	Not significant	0.004	None
H7	Energy Market -> PECB	0.591	0.277	Not significant	0.001	None
H8	Weather Forecast -> PECB	3.191	0.001	Significant	0.037	Small
H9	Government Jurisdiction -> PECB	0.264	0.396	Not significant	0.000	None
H10	Public Media -> PECB	0.677	0.249	Not significant	0.002	None
H11	Energy-Saving Culture × Strategy -> PECB	1.775	0.038	Significant	0.057	Small			-	-
H12	Energy-Saving Culture × Technology -> PECB	0.552	0.290	Not significant	0.004	None
H13	Energy-Saving Culture × Organization -> PECB	1.553	0.060	Not significant	0.048	Small
H14	Energy-Saving Culture × People -> PECB	1.302	0.097	Not significant	0.024	Small
H15	Energy-Saving Culture × Environment -> PECB	0.209	0.417	Not significant	0.001	None
H16	Energy-Saving Culture × Technical Infrastructure -> PECB	1.062	0.144	Not significant	0.012	None
H17	Energy-Saving Culture × Energy Market -> PECB	0.430	0.334	Not significant	0.003	None
H18	Energy-Saving Culture × Weather Forecast -> PECB	0.107	0.458	Not significant	0.000	None
H19	Energy-Saving Culture × Government Jurisdiction -> PECB	0.182	0.428	Not significant	0.000	None
H20	Energy-Saving Culture × Public Media -> PECB	1.828	0.034	Significant	0.039	Small
	Outcome
H21	PECB -> Economic	8.717	0.000	Significant	0.572	Large	0.626	Moderate	0.603	Large
H22	PECB -> Environmental	7.840	0.000	Significant	0.504	Large	0.559	Moderate	0.529	Large
H23	PECB -> Governance	9.635	0.000	Significant	0.650	Large	0.606	Moderate	0.581	Large
H24	PECB -> Social	14.210	0.000	Significant	0.782	Large	0.558	Moderate	0.540	Large
H25	PECB -> Technical	11.075	0.000	Significant	0.586	Large	0.585	Moderate	0.564	Large
H26	Provider–consumer Relationship × PECB -> Economic	0.615	0.269	Not significant	0.003	None	0.626	Moderate	-	-
H27	Provider–consumer Relationship × PECB -> Environmental	0.055	0.478	Not significant	0.000	None	0.559	Moderate
H28	Provider–consumer Relationship × PECB -> Governance	0.077	0.469	Not significant	0.000	None	0.606	Moderate
H29	Provider–consumer Relationship × PECB -> Social	2.287	0.011	Significant	0.019	None	0.558	Moderate
H30	Provider–consumer Relationship × PECB -> Technical	0.610	0.271	Not significant	0.002	None	0.585	Moderate

PECB = Prosumers’ Energy-Conserving Behaviors.

illustrates the summarized findings.

5. Discussion, Implications, and Future Research

5.1. Prosumers’ Energy-Conserving Behaviors of Solar PV NEM Users Among Industrial and Commercial Sectors

For this study, the mean of the prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors of the solar PV NEM scheme is 4.45 (SD: 0.780). The mean Likert scale score of 4.45 indicates that prosumers in industrial and commercial sectors implement energy-conserving behavior. Plus, they agree that the firms achieve sustainable energy consumption and production after implementing energy-conserving behaviors. This implies that when analyzing the collective responses of prosumers in both industrial and commercial sectors, there is a prevailing tendency to support the notion of maintaining energy-conserving behaviors. Some organizations may have a greater propensity to engage in energy-conserving practices than others, as indicated by higher ratings closer to 5 on the Likert scale, which signifies a more robust agreement. Moreover, incorporating the solar PV scheme with complementary technologies can potentially augment their operational efficiency and capacity for energy conservation [103,104]. Implementing the solar PV scheme that prioritizes energy conservation significantly facilitates the shift toward renewable energy sources. Energy conservation and enhanced performance are achieved by implementing efficient cooling mechanisms, battery energy storage systems, and the seamless integration of solar PV with other complementary technologies [105,106].

5.2. The Relationship Between STOPE Factor and Prosumers’ Energy-Conserving Behaviors

“Strategy” addresses these concerns to provide confidentiality, integrity, and availability effectively and efficiently [107]. The strategy defines and establishes paths to attain the organization’s clear goals. The strategy factor shows a significant impact on prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors; therefore, H1 is supported. The substantial path 0.150 (coefficient, β), 1.750 (t-value), and 0.040 (p-value) indicate the importance of strategies with clear goals and fostering energy conservation among prosumers. Implementing mechanisms to track and document energy usage and conservation initiatives can aid in pinpointing opportunities for enhancement and acknowledging accomplishments. This study demonstrates that strategy is significant when an organization’s energy conservation initiatives have a clear purpose and direction, which is supported by previous studies [108]. It provides a road plan, targets, and precise objectives for reaching energy efficiency. It is focused on methods to include staff members and change actions that help the company conserve energy. Also, education strategies are frequently used to inform staff members about the value of energy conservation and their role in it. This study revealed that with an average mean score of 4.48 (SD = 0.75), the industrial and commercial sectors agree that strategies provide management and staff with a clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished by setting quantifiable and realistic targets toward energy conservation.

The technology readiness factor shows a negative and insignificant strength impact on prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors; therefore, H2 is not supported. The substantial path −0.019 (coefficient, β), 0.251 (t-value), and 0.401 (p-value) stipulate that although technology can positively impact energy-conserving practices among prosumers, its applicability to business may be restricted. This study revealed that with an average mean score of 4.46 (SD = 0.77), the industrial and commercial sectors agree that readiness is linked to the organization’s capacity to implement energy-conserving behaviors and efficiency technology. The relationship is complex and influenced by other contextual factors and specific technological strategies. Adopting energy-conserving technologies and prioritizing energy conservation efforts among firms can be hindered by several factors, including sector-specific obstacles, resistance to change, compatibility with existing operations, and preconceptions about technology.

Support from top management is essential for energy-conserving strategies [109]. Top managers’ support for energy conservation is more likely to result in effective practice because they can coordinate choices and access resources [110]. Top management connects proactive business practices and external forces [111]. The organizational factor shows an insignificant strength impact on prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors; therefore, H3 is not supported. The substantial path is 0.012 (coefficient, β), 0.127 (t-value), 0.449 (p-value), with an average mean score of 4.49 (SD = 0.71). This indicates that despite the existence of organizational support for the conservation of energy, the distribution of resources, including financial, technological, and human resources, may not align with the expressed commitment. On the other hand, the findings contrast with previous literature, which suggests that prosumers’ energy-saving behaviors can be significantly impacted by the leadership and decision-making of upper management of a business [112]. Further, perceived obstacles or difficulties may outweigh the organization’s support by the firms, such as if the employees believe that endeavors aimed at conserving energy are excessively time-consuming or hinder their primary responsibility, their inclination to participate in such actions might decrease.

The people factor shows a positive and significant impact on prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors; therefore, H4 is supported. The substantial path is 0.157 (coefficient, β), 2.162 (t-value), and 0.015 (p-value), with an average mean score of 4.38 (SD = 0.78), indicating agreement in response. The result shows that the people factor is significant because individuals within the organization, among industrial and commercial sectors, assume a crucial role in effectively promoting prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors by actively being advocates, educators, and supporters of energy conservation initiatives. People in the organization have the potential to act as role models by showcasing their dedication to the practice of energy conservation. Firms that practice green employer branding, internet marketing, and paperless workplaces attract workers eager to support environmental sustainability [113]. According to the literature, environmental performance improved by decreasing waste and educating staff and employees on conserving energy and water [114]. The observation of others engaging in energy-saving behaviors has the potential to motivate personnel to adopt similar practices.

The environmental factor shows an insignificant impact on prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors; therefore, H5 is not supported. The substantial path is 0.083 (coefficient, β), 1.516 (t-value), 0.065 (p-value), with an average mean score of 4.82 (SD = 0.98), indicating agreement in response. Organizations could resist external influences if they regard these demands as jeopardizing their autonomy or interfering with their organization’s energy objectives. Plus, prosumers may exhibit greater susceptibility to market dynamics, consumer demand, and government incentives than to organizational environmental pressure. On the other hand, this result contrasts with the findings of researchers who examine the fundamental elements that impact energy conservation behavior within a significant institutional setting, which emphasizes the influence of environmental pressure in molding the energy-conserving behaviors of prosumers [115].

5.3. The Relationship Between Institutional Factors and Prosumers’ Energy-Conserving Behaviors

The technical infrastructure factor shows an insignificant impact on prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors; therefore, H6 is not supported. The substantial path is 0.079 (coefficient, β), 1.064 (t-value), 0.144 (p-value), with an average mean score of 4.28 (SD = 0.89), indicating agreement in response. In this case, the study shows that the technical infrastructure is insignificant among industrial and commercial sectors and is deemed to have a limited influence on fostering prosumers’ engagement with energy-conserving behaviors due to several potential rationales for this particular viewpoint. The energy market factor shows an insignificant impact on prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors; therefore, H7 is not supported. The substantial path is 0.040 (coefficient, β), 0.591 (t-value), 0.277 (p-value), with an average mean score of 4.33 (SD = 0.87), indicating agreement in response. This study shows that the energy market is insignificant because if the energy prices remain relatively constant or prosumers do not substantially modify their consumption habits in response to fluctuations in pricing, the market’s ability to encourage energy-conserving behaviors may be limited.

The weather forecast factor shows a positive and significant impact on prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors; therefore, H8 is not supported. The substantial path is 0.239 (coefficient, β), 3.191 (t-value), 0.001 (p-value), with an average mean score of 4.44 (SD = 0.82), indicating agreement in response, among industrial and commercial sectors. The results suggest that the weather forecast is significant because several factors, such as extreme temperatures, regardless of whether they are high or low, can potentially result in heightened energy use. The government jurisdiction factor shows an insignificant impact on prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors; therefore, H9 is not supported. The substantial path is 0.019 (coefficient, β), 0.264 (t-value), and 0.396 (p-value), with an average mean score of 4.41 (SD = 0.78), indicating agreement in response. Contrary to expectations, this study points out the industrial and commercial perspective, which did not find a significant result of government jurisdiction. Several possible explanations exist for this result, such as policy effectiveness, technological innovation, and economic considerations. First, there is a potential for prosumers to consider current government regulations on energy conservation as lacking effectiveness or influence. Second, prosumers may exhibit a greater susceptibility to the impact of technology breakthroughs and market trends in renewable energy, as opposed to being primarily influenced by specific governmental restrictions. Third, the decisions made by prosumers may be more significantly influenced by economic considerations, such as the cost of renewable energy technologies and the availability of subsidies, rather than being solely determined by government jurisdiction.

The public media factor shows an insignificant impact on prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors; therefore, H10 is not supported. The substantial path is −0.045 (coefficient, β), 0.677 (t-value), and 0.249 (p-value), with an average mean score of 4.28 (SD = 0.84), indicating agreement in response. However, the current study’s findings do not support the previous research, which suggests that the public media are insignificant. This result may be explained by the fact that prosumers may experience a pronounced sense of firm autonomy when making choices regarding their energy consumption, regardless of prevailing public sentiment. Organizations may prioritize personal principles, economic factors, or environmental considerations over societal forces. The concept of this autonomy refers to the capacity of higher management to make independent decisions and act following their firm’s values and beliefs. The general public’s perception might exhibit substantial disparities contingent upon geographical positioning and cultural influences. Firms might base their decisions on personal studies, experiences, or expert advice rather than being influenced solely by public trends.

5.4. The Relationship Between Prosumers’ Energy-Conserving Behaviors and Sustainable Energy Consumption and Production

Energy-conserving behavior is a potential demand response method that might significantly regulate electricity demand but has yet to receive much attention [116]. In order to mitigate climate change and ensure the security of the energy supply, it is crucial to reduce energy use through energy-efficient technologies and end-user behavior [117]. Many factors can affect a prosumer’s behavior, among those discussed in this study. Therefore, it supports how a prosumer’s energy-conserving behavioral factors positively affect sustainable energy consumption and production. Energy-conserving behavior is essential in cultivating energy-efficient practices [118]. First, prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors have a positive relationship with the economy. According to studies, the efficient use of energy demands increased economic performance, necessitating extensive energy consumption for economic advancement [119]. Prior literature shows the relationship between economic performance and renewable energy [120]. The Granger causality analysis revealed a bilateral causal relationship between economic performance and energy use in both the long and short term [119]. The prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors significantly and strongly impact economic performance.

Second, prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors have a positive relationship with the environment. The economy is heavily weighted by fuel imports, and burning fossil fuels for electricity production and consumption damages the environment. Enabling corporations to engage in environmental protection activities (for example, energy conservation, emission reduction, and wastewater treatment) through environmental rules has become a significant means of enhancing corporate environmental performance, which is crucial in improving corporate environmental pollution [121]. Businesses must engage in a variety of environmental activities, such as purchasing cleaner manufacturing technologies, acquiring environmentally friendly raw materials or services, establishing an environmental management division, designing organizational environmental management policies, and executing and monitoring environmental management strategies to improve environmental operational and management performance [122]. The conclusion is substantiated by prior studies that discovered that long-term considerable positive effects on environmental sustainability are caused by both global financial development and the usage of renewable energy [123]. Energy conservation and its environmental impact are strongly related [124]. The prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors significantly and strongly impact environmental performance. Third, prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors have a positive relationship with the social factor. As a result of increased capitalization, market value, competitive ability, and security of the economic entity based on the interaction of stakeholders within the system of implementing energy efficiency systems, the external effect is achieved synergistically from constituents of aggregate effects in social performance [125]. As part of the company’s commitment to sustainable development and energy efficiency, this role demands that the accounting system communicate with stakeholders about the social benefits that the business contributes to society [126]. The prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors show a significant impact on social performance.

Fourth, prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors have a positive relationship with governance. In recent years, the control of industrial energy consumption has been driven by governance for increased energy security and long-term industrial growth. Energy resource consumption, production, and governance must be rethought to promote and assist the transition to a more effective and efficient energy system [127]. Firms continuously manage their assets to increase profits, shareholder value, and governance performance. Funding green operations encourages the application of practical technology and increases production efficiency, which boosts financial and governance performance [128]. The prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors show a significant impact on governance performance. Fifth, prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors have a positive relationship with the technical factor. Approaches to sustainability are frequently hampered by technical shortcomings, a lack of scientific foundations, and ineffective techniques [129]. There is evidence that more significant energy savings are possible if technical energy-conserving behavioral intervention modifications are implemented in tandem, mutually reinforcing each other through the same aim [130]. It can be shown that, in the face of increasing demand to conserve energy and reduce emissions, the weight of technical performance that represents energy conservation effects is significantly larger than other indicators [131]. The prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors show a significant impact on technical performance.

The insufficient adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices results in the “energy efficiency gap” [117]. The voluntary regulation uses tools like information disclosure, environmental signs, or an environmental management system to encourage firms to take voluntary actions to reduce emissions and conserve energy [132]. The energy-conserving behaviors exhibited by prosumers, along with the implementation of sustainable energy generation, grid interaction, technological adoption, and community involvement, all work together to foster an energy landscape that is both environmentally friendly and sustainable. This connection indicates that firms’ choices can substantially affect the larger objectives of sustainable energy.

5.5. Research Implications

The present section focuses on discussing the decision-makers in the organization, which can be derived from the findings of this study. Researchers have discovered that the behavior of prosumers in conserving energy is influenced by various factors such as strategy, people, and weather forecasts. It is important to note that the mechanism by which these factors influence prosumers’ energy-conserving behavior differs. Consequently, it has been demonstrated that the strategy decisions (the directions, commitments, and plans for energy-conserving behaviors) made by top management and the competence of people (possessing skills and the user’s current state of issues concerned with energy-conserving behavior) within a firm play a crucial role in implementing energy-conserving behavior within the organization.

Firstly, these findings further support the idea that strategy significantly impacts energy-conserving behavior [133]. Top management or managers are responsible for guiding the implementation of strategies aimed at conserving energy. Secondly, this study confirms that people [134] have a significant impact on energy-conserving behaviors, which matches those observed in earlier studies. Managers play a crucial role in fostering employee involvement in energy-conserving behaviors. In conclusion, managers are crucial in integrating energy conservation within the corporate ethos. Managers effectively convey the significance of endeavors to conserve energy to their staff, clientele, shareholders, and other interested parties. They diligently guarantee the provision of information with clarity and foster a sense of responsibility. They serve as a role model and foster an environment where the principles of sustainability are esteemed and implemented by every workforce member.

5.6. Research Limitations

The limitations of this research offer promising opportunities for further scholars. First, this study concentrates solely on organizations in the industrial and commercial sectors. Second, since this research used a survey questionnaire, associated biases such as social preference, dishonesty, and erroneous self-evaluation might be present. Third, the survey questionnaire was conducted with limited participation due to the restrictions on movement imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of valid responses is limited to 372 usable respondents, representing Malaysia’s total industrial and commercial population. As a result, this study can be reproduced using a larger sample size that can reach the entire study population. Only prosumers who had adopted the solar photovoltaic NEM schemes were the focus of this study.

5.7. Future Research Suggestions

Subsequent research endeavors could explore other variable factors to assess the intermediary function of cognitive and affective trust, including but not limited to the impact of country-of-origin effects, corporate brand image, and corporate social responsibility elements. Henceforth, an additional avenue for future investigation entails scrutinizing and determining appropriate policy suggestions, leading to effectiveness and sustainability. Further, future empirical investigations should be conducted to examine and authenticate the established theories’ relevance and prognostic potential in various circumstances or populations. More research is needed in this specific area, especially in the industrial and commercial sectors. The future necessitates further investigation into the progressive elements of their function as prosumers and their incentives for engaging in energy-conserving behaviors for sustainability. Moreover, future research can develop novel and assess inventive sampling strategies that can effectively tackle the difficulties encountered in reaching particular populations or marginalized groups, including those concealed or residing in remote regions. Future research can utilize covariance analysis to compare results and determine whether a different analytic approach affects the outcome, given that PLS analysis, a variance-based strategy, was employed in this study. In this context, various research studies have contrasted the outcomes of two analytical approaches.

6. Conclusions

Prosumers emerge as novel entities within the smart grid infrastructure, actively engaged in energy production, consumption, storage, and exchange with fellow users. These actors assume a prominent position in the energy value network, considerably enhancing its flexibility, fostering innovation, and promoting value generation. Consequently, prosumer communities effectively facilitate a streamlined and sustainable energy-sharing procedure. Hence, this research assessed the prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors in industrial and commercial sectors with antecedents and outcome studies. This investigation was formulated based on the outcomes from the evaluated literature body. Incorporating prosumers into the comprehensive energy management mechanism necessitates careful strategic planning and financial support from governmental authorities and other pertinent institutions. The significance of energy-conserving behaviors, as a significant participant, is equally essential in establishing such implementation. The significant prosumer stakeholders are vital to fostering awareness of energy-conserving behaviors.

In this regard, to encourage prosumers’ extensive utilization of renewable energy resources, it is advisable to subsidize renewable energy equipment, such as battery storage. This incentive will eventually prove beneficial by ensuring efficient and enhanced system reliability. This study shows that energy-saving culture and provider–consumer relationship strengthen the relationship between the antecedents and the outcome of prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors. Consequently, these quantitative antecedents and outcomes, as well as a clear understanding of the prosumers’ energy-conserving behaviors and projected energy landscape, can help establish suitable governance structures, policies, incentive strategies, and support schemes to overcome challenges and difficulties in the planning, operation, and advancement of its significant relevance. This field of research is rapidly progressing. Hence, there is a need to identify the key issues, challenges, and opportunities in this area.

Despite the substantial increase in research in this area, it is worth noting that several research gaps and issues still need to be solved. Consequently, researchers have delineated many research inquiries that necessitate additional scrutiny. These studies will guide the trajectory of future research endeavors. Increased prosumer participation and awareness can hasten the transition to the Sustainable Development Goal’s affordable and clean energy aim (SDG). Utilizing clean, efficient energy sources, such as solar PV NEM schemes, will ultimately drive the growth of more sustainable energy consumption and production. Additionally, as a short-term strategy, a financial incentive-based policy could be implemented by providing grants or subsidies to electricity prosumers for reducing or eliminating taxes on energy-saving light bulbs, thereby encouraging their adoption. Energy taxes are a well-known fiscal and energy efficiency measure frequently used more to increase revenue than to reduce usage. Government carbon tax funds could be used to encourage investments in energy efficiency and sustainable energy technologies. A carbon tax can be neutral or beneficial to the economy, as investments in clean technologies create additional revenue.

Furthermore, taxes could be utilized to penalize wasteful behavior and promote the adoption of efficient energy-conserving technologies and practices. This approach would encourage the reduction of inefficient energy consumption, rather than discouraging its use, and reward energy saved through technology and behavioral changes. Discussion of the hypotheses’ findings and research objectives, which have a substantial influence and connection to their respective elements and results, is acknowledged. This study provides a deeper understanding of the significant elements influencing prosumers’ energy-conserving actions, thereby achieving sustainable consumption and production.