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Effective March 2026, Economist Impact has been rebranded as Economist Enterprise. Some materials may still refer to Economist Impact; these references should be read as Economist Enterprise.
Effective March 2026, Economist Impact has been rebranded as Economist Enterprise. Some materials may still refer to Economist Impact; these references should be read as Economist Enterprise.

Introduction

Empowering energy consumers

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The global energy system is under immense pressure to transform, and fast. Climate change, geopolitical tensions, and economic inequality are converging to create an urgent demand for cleaner, more affordable and more secure energy.

Amid these tensions, the transition to more distributed, electrified, renewable and digitally enabled energy systems offers a powerful promise: to improve reliability, reduce emissions, lower long-term costs and enhance access through distributed models.

The decreasing costs of hardware technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries are reshaping the energy system. When combined with emerging innovations like smart appliances, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered energy management systems and dynamic pricing, there is growing potential to deliver low-cost generation alongside greater responsiveness and resilience to support the adoption of clean energy.

From solar panels and smart appliances to smart meters and digitised energy management, these tools and technologies present major cost saving opportunities for consumers. Yet most are not yet seizing the chance. What’s holding them back?

Empowering energy consumers barometer explores how to place people at the centre of an inclusive, affordable and resilient energy transition.

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Barometer

Understand the attitudes, behaviours and perceptions of the average energy consumer and how they are impacted by the energy landscape and transition.

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Key findings 2026

Discover what drives consumer engagement with energy systems.

Country reports

Consumers’ experience of energy choices vary drastically based on where they live in the world. Energy resources, political ideology, quality of infrastructure, reliability, development stage and commitment to the green transition mean that every country has developed a unique energy market.


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