Changing energy systems and markets from the ground up - citizens, cooperatives, and cities

This chapter provides an overview of the changing role of citizens, cooperatives and cities and the (non-)state actors they engage with in European energy systems. Where their changing role is driven by ‘prosumerism’, especially among citizens and cooperatives, we are witnessing demand shifting away from traditional supply structures. Where this is driven by intermediaries, especially in the context of local authorities and cities, we are witnessing a reduction in demand. A case study of energy scenarios in Great Britain provides an insight into the potentially transformative role of citizen, cooperative and city engagement vis-à-vis the competitive pressures of liberalized markets in shaping energy demand and supply. It concludes with insights into the knock-on effects of changing energy system and market arrangements around citizens, cooperatives and cities on energy politics and policy on the one hand, and energy trade and geopolitics on the multi-level governance of energy systems on the other.