Citizen participation in the electricity system: a reflection on energy democracy in Swedish energy communities

Jenny Palm

Chapter 11 in Are Low-Carbon Futures Decentralised?, 2025, pp 134-144 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The European Union's climate strategy emphasises energy democracy, encouraging citizens to participate actively in energy production and consumption as part of the transition to climate neutrality by 2050. This chapter explores the role of energy communities (ECs) in advancing energy democracy, particularly within Sweden's centralised energy system. ECs offer citizens a pathway to collective ownership and participation, fostering energy literacy and empowering prosumers. Despite their potential, Swedish ECs show limited direct citizen engagement, with most members preferring financial investment over active roles. Municipal energy utilities (MEUs) often lead these ECs, providing essential resources but reducing direct citizen involvement. While MEUs may facilitate broader access to renewable energy, their role raises questions in relation to the role of direct versus indirect democratic energy governance. This analysis highlights the tension between the theoretical ideals of energy democracy and practical citizen engagement, suggesting that meaningful, balanced participation requires innovative models and support for both direct and representational involvement.

Keywords: Energy Democracy; Energy Utilities; Participation; Climate Neutrality; Sweden (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035355181
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