Powering Choice: Helping Households Take Charge of Energy Affordability
As discussions at London Climate Action Week - one of the world's largest independent climate events, bringing together policymakers, businesses and civil society to accelerate global climate action - focus on the future of clean energy, electrification and grid modernisation, one thing is clear: the transition will only succeed if consumers participate.
From rooftop solar and battery storage to smart appliances and electric vehicles, to utilising time-of-use tariffs, households have an increasingly important role to play in the energy systems of the future. Yet understanding where to start - and how to navigate the costs, technologies and who to trust for advice - can be challenging.
Today, we spotlight two new consumer-centered 'one-stop-shop' platforms in Pakistan and Indonesia, countries where consumer demand for resilience is surging as a result of the current affordability crisis. These locally-led digital hubs are providing households with accessible, independent and trusted advice on renewables and grid-edge technologies, potential savings and financing options.
As part of our global programme to boost consumer engagement in the clean energy transition, our Members working in-country are making it easier for people to understand their options, explore potential savings and make informed decisions about clean energy.
Why these platforms matter now
These new platforms arrive at a critical moment. Across Asia, energy price spikes caused by geopolitical conflict around fossil fuels are crippling households, who desperately need solutions that break them out of the cycle of dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets. Local consumer advocates are hearing increasing demand for affordable energy solutions to help households take control of their energy costs. The need is also being driven by ambitious national renewable energy targets. Pakistan aims to reach 30% renewable energy by 2030, while Indonesia is working towards 44% by 2030.
By helping households navigate renewable energy options and opportunities to be rewarded for flexible demand, the platforms will support more people to participate in and benefit from electrification and the shift to cleaner, more resilient energy systems.
Explore the new platforms
Yayasan Lembaga Konsumen Indonesia developed Energi YLKI to support Indonesian consumers better understand distributed energy resources and their rights within evolving energy systems. Alongside educational content, policy updates and practical guidance, the platform is developing interactive tools such as return-on-investment simulations to help households assess the costs and benefits of adoption. The initiative also reflects YLKI's wider work to improve market transparency, strengthen consumer protection and address barriers such as limited financing and low public awareness of clean energy technologies.
TheNetwork for Consumer Protection launched Sabz Bijli (“Green Energy”) to help consumers in Pakistan explore renewable energy options and make informed decisions about clean energy technologies. Alongside practical support on calculating the paybacks and explaining the importance of the grid and concepts like net metering and demand flexibility, the platform features community testimonials in local languages, helping consumers learn from the experiences of others who have already begun their renewable energy journey.
Building on global momentum
The launch of these new platforms builds on Consumers International's growing one-stop-shop programme, which began with research into how consumer organisations can support renewable energy adoption and participation.
Last year, Members in Thailand, Colombia and Chile launched their own platforms, building on earlier success stories from CADEF in Nigeria and Which? In the UK. Together, these have reached more than 3 million consumers, channelled over USD $270,000 into locally led projects, and supported people with practical, trusted guidance on renewable energy adoption, with additional launches planned in the Philippines and other countries later this year.
These platforms demonstrate how consumer organisations can help bridge the gap between energy policy and everyday life. As countries invest in cleaner, smarter and more resilient energy systems, ensuring consumers have the knowledge and confidence to participate will be essential to delivering the benefits of the transition for everyone.