The study introduces an integrated analytical framework that combines three perspectives: energy democracy, energy citizenship and energy justice. Through a comparative analysis of historical developments, policy documents and contemporary heating systems, the authors explore how ownership structures, everyday heating practices and social inequalities shape the role of citizens in heating transitions.
The results show some significant differences between countries. In Sweden and Finland, municipal district heating systems provide stable and low-carbon heating, but offer limited opportunities for direct citizen influence. In Romania, the decline of centrally managed district heating has left many households dependent on individual and often inefficient heating solutions. In the United Kingdom, liberalized energy markets provide consumer choice but have also contributed to affordability challenges and energy vulnerability.
In all four countries, the research shows that citizen participation is shaped less by individual choice than by infrastructure, welfare systems and historical legacies. The authors argue that successful warming transitions require policies that go beyond technological change and place greater emphasis on democratic governance, meaningful participation, and social justice.
Read the full article.(Link to article)
Reference
Palm, J., Ambrose, A., Davies, K., Kilpeläinen, S., von Platten, J., Jiglau, G., Pelsmakers, S., Castaño-Rosa, R. & Sinea, A. (2026). Home heating transition in Finland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom through the combined lens of energy democracy, energy citizenship and energy justice. Energy, Sustainability and Society. 16:31, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13705-026-00587-7
