Energy and the Citizen

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to provide further understanding of people’s everyday energy use in high consumption nations, their role in relation to wider energy systems and their governance, and the associated environmental and economic impacts. From this understanding, the chapter identifies some of the key challenges involved in reducing emissions from the household sector and personal transport, and where government policies and individual and collective initiatives can reduce these impacts. Policy is discussed in relation to energy efficiency and new technologies, including micro-generation and smarter metering. The chapter concludes with recommendations for policy action and the steps others can take in order to make residential living more sustainable and energy efficient.