Parameters that determine similarities and differences towards energy related behaviour between different levels and types of Formal social units. The analysis is based on 3 levels of decision-making units: formal social units, collective decision-making units and individuals engaging in joint contracts.

1. This project has received funding from the
European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and
innovation programme under grant agreement
No 727470
Background
This report presents an analysis of the parameters regarding the energy choices and energy related behaviour for
different levels of decision-making, concerning the energy transition to low-carbon economy in the European Union and
associate countries such as Norway and Turkey.
The analysis is based on three levels of decision-making units: formal social units, collective decision-making units, and
individuals engaging in joint contracts.
This structure also allows a comparative analysis regarding the identification of similarities and differences between the
three levels of decision-making units.
Parameters that determine similarities and differences towards energy
related behaviour between different levels and types of formal social units.

2. This project has received funding from the
European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and
innovation programme under grant agreement
No 727470
• Uncertainty, risks, inertia, status quo, lack of
knowledge, lack of experts, unawareness, ignorance,
and resistance to change are among primary disablers.
Findings - Results
• The decision-making process is driven by the phases of
Policy and Target Setting, Policy Deployment and
Execution.
• On the Formal Social Unit level policies are primarily
affected and triggered by EU Policies, EU Directives and
International Agreements.
• Through political will and impact, they are deployed to all
decision-making levels.
• Execution phase is defined by an extensive number of key
factors and variables including market conditions, demand-
supply balance, market structure, decentralization,
prosumerism, energy self-sufficiency, local community, and
awareness.
• Positive Mediators (Motivators/Enablers) and Negative
Mediators (Barriers/Disablers) have significant effects on
all phases of the process.
• Globalisation, liberalisation of energy markets, economic
and environmental benefits, new business, innovation,
incentives, enthusiasts, decarbonisation, and storytelling
are among primary enablers.
Conclusions
• Motivators and barriers are active in different decision-
making levels and occasionally across decision-making
levels.
• Priorities of member states are reflected at different
levels in the course of EU policymaking.
• Relative economic and political powers, negotiation
attitudes, and the political interests and orientations of
the politicians have significant effects.
• The market structure determines the extent of decision-
making power and the rationality of decisions such as
energy investments
• For individuals, awareness, perceptions regarding
advantages and disadvantages of energy investments
and the demand profiles turn out to be outstanding
social characteristics, along with social acceptance