Flexibility as a justice fix? A systematic review of demand-side response implications for energy-vulnerable households

Demand-Side Response (DSR) programmes reshape how energy is consumed at the residential level to ease pressure on the electricity grid by encouraging more responsive consumption patterns. Although often presented as a neutral optimisation mechanism, DSR can have differentiated impacts across social groups. This systematic review synthesised empirical evidence from 66 articles on the association between DSR and energy vulnerability. Using a vulnerability framework, the evidence is organised across three interrelated dimensions (i.e. sensitivity, adaptive capacity and exposure) to identify who benefits or loses from DSR and to uncover the mechanisms driving this differentiation. Results suggest that vulnerable households face more risks of financial regressivity, thermal discomfort and psychological stress, yet they are also capable of achieving significant gains when safeguards and inclusive tariff designs are used. Moreover, while willingness to engage is often strong among low-income and vulnerable groups, their ability to do so is constrained by rigid practices, technological barriers and uneven digital literacies. However, enabling support, automation that reduces cognitive effort and collective arrangements can unlock participation. Finally, access to flexibility services and benefits is unevenly distributed across regions and communities, with disadvantaged areas most likely to be excluded unless proactive measures are taken. Policy implications are also discussed. • DSR programmes reshape residential energy use through flexible consumption. • DSR impacts differ across social groups and regions. • Vulnerable households face higher financial and comfort risks. • Engagement is high but limited by technology and digital skills. • Inclusive, community-based designs can enable fair participation.