Explore the attitudes, behaviours, and barriers to greater participation in the energy transition

Inform your discussions and decisions this week. The world’s energy system is going through a fundamental change. Decentralised, renewable-powered systems are joining large fossil-fuel power stations and central grids. Heat pumps and electric vehicles are helping to electrify homes, transportation and industry. This transition is slowly mitigating emissions, and as it progresses, consumers are gaining access to new smart energy technologies. These can bring down energy costs by optimising supply and demand. Smart energy management improves energy efficiency while also adding flexibility that, if things go to plan, allows renewables to scale faster and cheaper.

Consumers are, of course, important for the energy transition. The energy choices they make and the technologies they adopt will be critical to delivering a more affordable, sustainable and secure energy system. Yet the evidence shows that many consumers do not think they have the information to make optimal choices. They are concerned about energy costs and uncertain about which technologies to adopt and where to turn for reliable information.

The Empowering energy consumers barometer developed by Economist Impact and supported by Kraken explores how to place people at the centre of an inclusive, affordable and resilient energy transition. Using a survey of 10,000 energy consumers across ten countries it explores attitudes, behaviours, and barriers to greater participation in the transition.

Worries about cost loom large: three-quarters of consumers are concerned about energy bills, yet only half feel equipped to control them. Awareness is lacking too: only a third are familiar with how technology like smart meters and apps can help. Changing habits requires opportunity, information and trust.

The energy transition is about engaging people as well as upgrading infrastructure. Without them, progress will be slow. Visit the Empowering Energy Consumers Barometer to see how to bring consumers on board.

This week, you can also learn about what factors are shaping attitudes and habits towards mobility choices among 3,750 young adults in 15 cities across five continents. Plus, as consumers demand brands that reflect their values, sustainable sourcing has become a business imperative. Nick Hampton, CEO of Tate & Lyle, explains why suppliers of ingredients must lead in moving towards transparency and climate resilience in the latest blog as part of our initiative The Food Imperative.

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From solar panels and smart appliances to smart meters and digitised energy management, these tools and technologies present cost saving opportunities for consumers. Yet most people are not yet seizing the chance. What is holding them back? Our Empowering energy consumers barometer, based on a survey of 10,000 consumers across ten countries in North America, Europe and Asia, analyses consumer attitudes, behaviours and barriers to their use of advanced energy tools and technologies.

New York thrives on reinvention. As the city enters its newest phase, NYCEDC—the city’s five-borough economic development arm—is backing a portfolio of strategic investments, including affordable housing, innovation corridors, renewable energy infrastructure and revitalised public spaces. These initiatives are reshaping the urban landscape and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and resilient economy. Take a closer look at the projects creating this transformation and how they are helping build a city that is more connected, competitive and liveable, using an interactive map.

Join Economist Impact in Melbourne on September 2nd-3rd 2025 to understand how Australia can lead tech-driven innovation in the Indo-Pacific.