This week, the European consumer organisation’s (BEUC) Monique Goyens joins the team to discuss how consumers are taking an increasingly active role in the energy transition
The energy transition will only work if we engage consumers. The energy price crisis has made it clear that energy poverty is not a niche issue anymore, as more households are struggling to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature and use their electric appliances.
Measures to alleviate consumers from high price hikes are featuring prominently in the political agenda of several EU member states. Monique Goyens, director-general at the European consumer organisation BEUC, says that tackling energy poverty requires systemic thinking. Social measures are needed in the short term, but a massive change in energy efficiency support and the rollout of renewables are crucial.
We discuss with Monique Goyens how consumers are taking an increasingly active role in our energy systems. She has been at BEUC since 2007 and previously worked as secretary-general at the University Commission for Development.
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Illustration: Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva. Art director: Trine Natskår.
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