Introduction

Abstract

Energy use is a core fundament of modern societies which is still gaining in importance. Almost all social activities require energy in some specific form, from electricity and heat to chemical energy or mechanical (potential/kinetic) energy. Even most communication processes within societies now rely on the availability of specific forms of energy, particularly electricity. The history of human development shows the impressive relevance of the use of particular material energy resources such as wood and, later, those with higher energetic content such as coal, oil, gas and nuclear fuels. The advent of transportable fuels has led to the development of a large infrastructure which is continuously being improved to provide energy in the most efficient and comfortable way. Over time, this infrastructure has been standardised and in most situations, a contractual supply service is now the main legal arrangement which ensures adequate energy supply to consumers (Droste-Franke and Kamp 2013).