Socio-Technical Systems

Our energy system is considered “socio-technical”.

there are important interactions between social and technical factors
attempts to improve the system that only address social or technical issues aren’t successful

We should recognize that

Social structures influence energy preferences
Energy technology choices influence society

Ways that technology influences society

Physical infrastructure
Health effects
Mobility

Ways that society influences energy decisions

Identity and social groups
Virtue and vice
Rights and privileges

Human Considerations

Identities
Culture
Individual psychology
Sociological processes

Stakeholders

Stakeholders are people who have an interest in a decision.

Asset owners
Business owners
Community members
Governments
Regulators

Perspectives or Lenses

Stakeholders often share perspectives or lenses that shape their opinions and preferences.

Identity and affiliations
Market acceptance
Workforce participation
Justice

Contested Norms

Agreement on energy decisions is hindered by disagreement on other related issues

Is energy a right or privilege?
How affordable should energy be?
Should we be allowed to pollute freely?
Who is worthy of being protected from pollution?
Should we continue a policy preference for energy consumption growth?
Do we have a right to our own energy decisions (energy sovereignty)?
How much should we invest to avoid climate change?