The Role of Active Consumers in Decentralized Energy Systems

Abstract This chapter focuses on the role of energy citizens and active consumers in decentralized energy systems from a legal point of view. It uses European Union (EU) law as an illustrative case study to demonstrate key legal approaches to transform the role of the consumer in the energy transition. The analysis addresses the trade-offs between encouraging the consumer to participate in the energy markets on the one hand and protecting the consumer from the risks associated with such participation on the other. The chapter first explores existing conceptualizations of energy citizens and active energy consumers. It then analyses key legal approaches to the energy consumer in EU energy law and explores the risks of increased consumer engagement before presenting legal solutions to manage these challenges in the EU legal system. Based on this analysis, the chapter seeks to offer insights for jurisdictions also beyond the EU. Finally, conclusions are drawn.