The energy crisis requires innovative approaches to secure both domestic renewable energy and reduce the existing energy demand. From 2022’s winter preparedness, we know that reducing demand is possible, but how will the EU fare in winter 2023? Looking beyond 2023, how can energy-saving measures structurally reduce energy consumption in the long term to deliver a more affordable, secure and decarbonised electricity supply?

Our research projects showed approaches for how behavioral changes should have been sustained over time. We discussed with consumer and energy savings experts how behavioral change and policy mechanisms could be integrated into well-planned long-term strategies.

Consumer behavioural change will be integral for short-term demand reductions, at scale. However, behavioural change is not yet uniform throughout Europe, these actions are often unpopular, as the expectation to change consumer behaviour is often perceived as unequal. We need to strategize further solutions to empower citizens to lead a socially just energy transition.H2020 projects WHY, NewTRENDs, NUDGE and EVIDENT are collaborating to show how their research is integrating both technical, energy efficiency improvements and behavioural change to reduce consumption effectively and justly to meet the EU climate goals.

This webinar highlighted the ongoing challenges as well as innovative practices that empowered consumers, alleviated challenges in the near-term while enabling long-term decarbonisation strategies. Those interested in consumer-driven energy-saving solutions and collaborative behavioral change measures from diverse backgrounds were especially encouraged to register and join that discussion!

Programme Highlights

• We discussed consumer-driven solutions to reduce energy demand.
• For near-term solutions, we explored winter preparedness for 2023, how to sustain behavioral changes over time, and what effect behavioral changes had on vulnerable consumers.
• We explored long-term effects on electrification efforts from the system planning perspective and shed light on the use of peak shaving when electricity demand was highest.
• We introduced how the WHY Toolkit and our Sister Projects' research could help energy planners enable these solutions. We also highlighted how this could help municipalities and consumers who prepared for short and long-term demand reduction.
• We discussed current consumer energy sharing and saving opportunities with expert speakers and explored potential future policy solutions, such as consumers' right to share electricity produced with peers, the potential demand-flexibility measures, and financial incentives.