Heating practices during the energy crisis of 2022: the role of energy vulnerability and environmental concern

Abstract

Over the years, energy research in wealthy countries has shown that energy consumption happens unconsciously in connection with everyday routines, and most people—at least in the relatively prosperous and equal society of Denmark—are not aware of the price of energy. During the energy crisis of 2022 this was no longer the case, and new research questions were raised, including how do increasing energy prices and public awareness of the energy crisis affect heating practices in different types of homes and how do people cope with the new situation in practice? A qualitative study including interviews with 30 households from varying socioeconomic circumstances forms the background of the analysis. The research investigates similarities and differences in coping strategies and meanings related to changes in everyday practices, discussing whether changes carry different meanings according to energy vulnerability and environmental concern. The analysis is based on practice theoretical understandings and this article provides insights into how practice change and variations in practices following a crisis can be interpreted. The conclusion discusses the implications of the findings for the green transition.

Keywords

• Energy crisis
• heating, comfort
• practice change
• energy vulnerability