When we talk about digital inclusion, we define it as the extent to which people can take part in increasingly digitalised systems by, for instance, being willing and able to respond to price signals to shift consumption times, understand smart meters to benefit from this technology or simply by being able to afford solar panels.
We consider digitalisation to be an important element for a sustainable energy system and thus it has an impact on everyone. For this reason, it is crucial to consider digital inclusion on our way to the digitalisation of the energy transition.
It’s critical to include everyone, especially those with low digital skills or individuals often overlooked or deemed vulnerable and empower them to actively engage and take up their role in the energy transition.
To better understand the key themes and elements essential for digital inclusion, we can classify them into 4 categories:
- Financing
- Time
- Trust
- Literacy and communication
All these categories come with their own opportunities and challenges.
These range from a lack of infrastructure, e.g. no internet access, to time constraints due to occupation or disabilities, but also to a lack of trust in technologies and actors as well as in one’s own abilities to understand digital tools, numbers on energy bills or documents.
At the same time, digital technologies can also provide a wealth of opportunities.
- Financial benefits from reducing energy costs
- Building trust with local organisations, and also reaching specific groups with less developed digital skills by traditional means of communication such as phones or help desks.
Becoming aware of digital inclusion in various areas doesn’t just benefit a particular group – aiming to make it understandable and affordable can help all individuals benefit and make use of the opportunity to actively take part in the digitalisation of the energy transition.