Customer Energy Transition

The scientific evidence is clear. We have to take urgent steps to decarbonise our energy system if we are to avoid irreversible damage to our planet. At the same time, we need to meet the growing needs of populations across Asia and Africa who are currently without access to electricity or who lack a reliable supply. We need to become far more energy efficient and to stop burning unabated gas, oil and coal. We need to decarbonise our electricity supplies – using electricity generated from renewables and other zero carbon sources - a journey that has begun in many parts of the world but still has a way to go globally. On top of that we need to electrify transport and heat – adding to the demands on the electricity system. We will also require alternative zero carbon solutions for some of the most energy intensive industries and for heavy transport. The energy transition will become increasingly difficult without customer buy-in and support. Progress requires changes to the way people live their lives, to maintain citizens’ support for action on climate change they must share in the benefits. The energy transition can’t be done to people, it must be done for and with them.

This report explores what corporates in the SMI and beyond can do to promote a customer-centred energy transition.