The Slow Race - making technology work for the poor: This paper (310 KB, PDF) by Melissa Leach and Ian Scoones looks at the role of citizen engagement in ensuring that science and technology respond appropriately to the development challenge.
Smart Metering: One way to improve energy savings and increase security of supply is via smart metering. It is also a mechanism by which users can demonstrate their energy preferences. This paper (265KB, PDF) addresses the functions and benefits of smart metering as well as where smart metering is being carried out and its results.
The Public Utilities Access Forum (PUAF) in the United Kingdom which helps to develop policy on the regulation of the public utilities, including energy utilities. PUAF facilitates the exchange of information and opinions between bodies especially those consumers with low incomes or special service needs, such as the elderly and people with mental and physical disabilities. For a copy of the PUAF Consumer Charter, click here (22KB, PDF).
An example of a Illinois's CUBFact Sheet (20KB, PDF)
A model act for the creation of a CUB (110KB, PDF)
Websites
Energie-Cités is the association of European local authorities for the promotion of local sustainable energy policies.In addition it: facilitates the exchange of experiences: strengthens roles and skills of citizens in the area of energy efficiency; and, works to influence the policies and proposals made by European Union institutions in the fields of energy, environmental protection and urban policy.
Wise Democracy is a website that promotes active citizen participation on broad social issues. Although it does not deal with energy issues per se its Wisdom Council provides citizens the opportunity to participate in an open discussion fora. The Council encourages citizens to generate and implement new solutions and to create a new process of thinking where everyone feels respected, involved and empowered.
The Citizen Utility Board (CUB) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in Illinois, USA.Its mission is to represent the interests of residential utility customers across the state. It work primarily to lower rates and better service from the states investor-owned electric, gas and telephone companies.
The NW Energy Coalition is an alliance of more than 100 environmental, civic, and human service organizations, progressive utilities, and businesses in US states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska and Canadas British Columbia. It works on the development of renewable energy and energy conservation, consumer protection, and low-income energy assistance.
Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon (USA) is responsible for representing the residential utility customer and to work for clean and efficient energy alternatives. They also work on consumer privacy issues, the environment and low-income consumer concerns.
Citizen Works is a US-based nonprofit, non-partisan organization founded by Ralph Nader in April 2001 to advance justice by strengthening citizen participation in power. It aims to give people the tools and opportunities to build democracy. Energy and utility deregulation are some of the issues this organisation works on.
Energywatch is a consumer advocate in the gas and electricity markets. It works to protect and promote the interests of existing and future gas and electricity consumers in England, Scotland and Wales.
Websites